The military conflict between America and Iran in the maritime areas of West Asia and the Middle East has now reached a very fierce and dangerous stage. Iran tried to launch a missile attack on the US Navy patrolling the international waterway, after which the US military responded strongly. According to official information given by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US Air Force and Navy successfully fired missiles in a special mission and permanently disabled and destroyed three large crude oil tankers that were part of Iran's 'Shadow Network'.
The naval battle began when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer in international waters. However, the US's advanced naval defense system intercepted all the missiles in the air. No US service members were injured or the ships were damaged. But, the US took the attack on its army very seriously and gave a major response within a few hours.
Accurate missile attacks on three Iranian tankers
According to a statement from CENTCOM, US forces conducted three strikes targeting Iran's oil transportation network:
- M/T Downey: Tanker anchored near Kharg Island, Iran's main oil supply hub, completely destroyed by precision missiles.
- M/T Stark 1: This second oil tanker was also destroyed by missile attack off the coast of Jakarta.
- M/T Kylo (Noxon): The third tanker operating in the Gulf of Oman was targeted by US forces, who gave her crew three minutes to evacuate before being attacked and sunk.
Iran's 'shadow network' and economic blockade
According to US military officials, the three tankers were part of Iran's multi-billion dollar “shadow network”. Iran was using this network to sell crude oil illegally in violation of international sanctions. Iran used billions of rupees from this oil trade to fund its military operations and proxy terrorist organizations in the Middle East. The US has taken this direct action to cut off this financial source.
Admiral Brad Cooper's stern warning
Following this action, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper has issued a direct and strong warning to Iran. He said, “Iran's Revolutionary Guards must remember one thing clearly; if you try to attack two of our ships, we will give you an even bigger economic blow and blow up three of your ships. We will not hesitate to take action to protect American troops and, if necessary, sink the rest of Iran's oil fleet at sea.”
Clouds of concern around the world in the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world's most important oil transportation route. One-fifth of the world's total crude oil trade passes through this route. The military operation on Lark Island and now the retaliatory attacks on three large tankers have threatened to close this route. This direct military conflict between the US and Iran has the potential to send international fuel prices skyrocketing and disrupt the global energy supply chain.
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