US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Near Kharg Island

US military forces have targeted Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz. Several sources confirm this action took place on Tuesday night. Fox News broke the story first, citing two senior US military officials who say multiple vessels were hit in these strikes. The attacks aim to squeeze Iran's teetering economy by sinking or disabling crude tankers that fund the IRGC and its regional proxies. This move cuts off the government's ability to profit from its massive oil reserves.

The hits landed off Kharg Island, a critical export hub, and near Jask on Iran's southern coast. US Central Command last week announced similar action against vessels near this strategic island. Back then, three tankers were sunk as part of that shadow network operation. President Donald Trump authorized these fresh attacks on Tuesday, multiple sources told Fox News. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon immediately returned a request for comment from the Daily Mail.

Americans are unhappy about rising costs driven by the war. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the US now sits at $4.15. That is nearly a dollar higher than last year. Prices peaked to record highs over Labor Day Weekend when many families traveled for the holiday. Trump has spoken about lowering gas prices, telling people on Monday that costs 'will drop precipitously' once the war ends.

There is a sharp gap between those forecasts and the eye-watering retail prices shoppers face today. This mismatch creates a headache for President Trump and Republicans as they head into November's midterm elections. Cost of living issues remain a top concern for voters. The unpopular Iran war has dragged down GOP enthusiasm. Brent crude oil prices hover around $99 per barrel. That is up to the highest level since late July amid renewed fighting.

The situation risks making fuel even more expensive for families trying to get by. Regulations and government directives now directly affect how much gas people pay at the pump. The strategy specifically includes disabling tankers to cut off revenue streams for Tehran. It is a calculated economic squeeze that could tighten belts across the region.