United States military forces announced on Saturday that they struck three Iranian crude oil carriers, hours after US naval warships reportedly came under missile attack in the region.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces targeted the vessels, stating the action was taken after a US aircraft carrier and destroyer avoided "multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks" while patrolling international waters. No US personnel were reported injured during the alleged missile assaults.

The American military detailed that two of the Iranian vessels were disabled near Iran, while a third unladen tanker was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew abandoned the ship. US officials indicated that these actions were in response to the attacks on its warships and warned of further measures, stating a readiness to "if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet."

Iran's state media, however, reported that Tehran had launched retaliatory attacks against three US-affiliated vessels, though the US had yet to comment on these specific claims. The exchange of hostilities further intensifies the already strained relationship between Washington and Tehran, particularly concerning maritime security in vital shipping lanes.

This latest confrontation underscores ongoing tensions over shipping and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for global oil supplies. The US military's strikes come amidst a period of heightened alert and frequent incidents involving both nations in the Gulf.