US says it hit Iran oil tankers helping finance ‘regional proxies’

“The United States has reportedly struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships. The U.S. Central Command claims the attacks targeted vessels tied to a multibillion‑dollar network that finances the IRGC and its regional proxies, aiming to raise the economic cost of Iranian aggression. For U.S. consumers, the disruption of Iranian oil exports could tighten global supply, potentially pushing gasoline and jet fuel prices higher and adding volatility to the energy market. The strikes also signal a hardening U.S. stance that may influence future negotiations and the broader geopolitical balance in the Middle East. Expert Analysis: By targeting Iran’s oil logistics, the U.S. is attempting to blunt a key revenue stream for the IRGC, but the move risks escalating tensions that could destabilize already fragile supply chains, leading to sustained price spikes for U.S. consumers over the next 12‑18 months.”