US forces destroy three IRGC oil tankers after coming under Iranian fire

U.S. forces destroyed three Iranian crude oil tankers belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This action was a direct response to the IRGC firing ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships in the region. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated, "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—taking out three of yours." The destroyed tankers were part of a network funding the IRGC and its proxies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that if it targets U.S. ships, their oil tankers would be destroyed.