The United States destroyed three oil tankers from Iran's so-called "ghost fleet" in the Persian Gulf. The attack was carried out in retaliation for the launch of ballistic missiles by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard at two US Navy ships patrolling regional waters. American authorities made an appeal to the clear message they intended to convey with this military action.
The incident represents an escalation in tensions between the two countries in the Middle East. Iran's ghost fleet is composed of ships used to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Iran, transporting oil and other goods covertly. The USA considers these operations a violation of the economic restrictions imposed on the Tehran regime.
The Revolutionary Guard is the Iranian military force responsible for launching the missiles that triggered the American retaliation. The American Navy ships were patrolling regional waters when they were targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles. This direct armed confrontation increases fears of a wider war in the Persian Gulf.
