The United States said it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers in response to attempted missile attacks on naval vessels, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying they targeted U.S.-linked ships in response.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said early Saturday it targeted tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing the most powerful arm of the Iranian military of unsuccessfully firing at American warships.

“Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask,” it said.

– AFP