US targets Iranian oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz escalation

U.S. Central Command has launched large-scale strikes against Iranian military targets and three commercial oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian ballistic missile attacks on two American warships and attempts to mine the waterway. U.S. military officials confirmed that all naval mines have since been cleared.

The operation marks a significant escalation by bringing commercial energy shipping directly into the theater of combat. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that persistent attacks on tankers would trigger strikes against Iran's energy grid and infrastructure, stating that "very little will remain of Iran" if hostilies continue. Military analysts note that targeting critical energy trade routes and integrating drone technology reflect a broader shift toward fifth-generation resource warfare.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV