The United States has attacked three Iranian oil tankers after claiming that Iranian forces targeted two American Navy warships with ballistic missiles. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that one tanker near Kharg Island was permanently disabled. Another tanker near Jask was also disabled, while a third tanker in the Gulf of Oman was completely destroyed. The first attack was reported near Kharg Island on Saturday morning. Iranian media said several US missiles hit a tanker near the island. The crew survived and was evacuated, and there were no reported casualties. Kharg Island is extremely important to Iran's oil industry because it is a major export terminal. Before the conflict, most of Iran's crude oil exports passed through the island. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States would respond strongly if Iran attacks American ships. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper also warned that the US could destroy more of Iran's oil fleet if attacks against American forces continue. The US military said an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully avoided several Iranian attacks. According to CENTCOM, no American personnel were injured. The United States also said the three targeted tankers were connected to an Iranian "shadow network" that allegedly helps generate money for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional allies. Iranian state media confirmed that US forces had attacked three oil tankers. Reports said the crews of two tankers attacked in the Gulf of Oman escaped using lifeboats. One of the ships was reportedly empty, while another was carrying oil. The latest attacks represent another major escalation between Washington and Tehran. The conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for oil transportation. Around 20% of the world's oil supplies normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Continued fighting in the area has raised concerns about global energy supplies and fuel prices. The attacks come after weeks of rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Both sides have carried out military operations in the region, while attempts to reach a lasting diplomatic agreement have struggled. The latest tanker strikes could further increase pressure on Iran's economy and oil exports. They could also push energy prices higher if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. For now, the situation remains tense, with the United States warning of further military action if Iranian forces continue attacking American ships.