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US Navy Hits Iran-Flagged Tankers, Iran Vows Retaliation

5/11/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Left

US Navy Strikes

U.S. Central Command released video of a Navy F/A-18 striking the smokestacks of Iran-flagged tankers Sea Star III and Sevda.
The strike hit the Iran-flagged Sea Star III and Sevda in the Gulf of Oman, leaving them unladen and lightly damaged.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of heavy attacks on U.S. assets if more tankers are hit.
Analysts said the strikes likely used 500-pound laser-guided bombs, possibly inert, explaining limited damage.

Right

US Navy Blockade

Admiral Brad Cooper praised the highly trained men and women for their incredible work enforcing the blockade.
Forces disabled three Iranian-flagged tankers in Gulf of Oman using F/A-18s from USS George H.W. Bush and USS Abraham Lincoln.
Britain sent HMS Dragon while France moved its carrier strike group toward the Persian Gulf.
The operation fields over 15,000 troops, 200 aircraft, 20 warships and blocks oil worth $13 billion.

History

Historical Context

On 18 April 1988, the United States, under President Reagan, launched Operation Praying Mantis against Iran after the USS Samuel B. Roberts hit a mine; the strike sank two Iranian frigates and destroyed two oil platforms, pressuring Tehran toward a cease-fire in the Iran-Iraq war. Today’s joint F/A-18 raids from USS George H.W. Bush and allied carriers echo that 1988 naval power demonstration.

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US Navy Strikes

U.S. Central Command released video of a Navy F/A-18 striking the smokestacks of Iran-flagged tankers Sea Star III and Sevda.
The strike hit the Iran-flagged Sea Star III and Sevda in the Gulf of Oman, leaving them unladen and lightly damaged.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of heavy attacks on U.S. assets if more tankers are hit.
Analysts said the strikes likely used 500-pound laser-guided bombs, possibly inert, explaining limited damage.

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