U.S. strikes Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Iran targeting warships

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had attacked several vessels, including those allegedly linked to the United States, in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian tankers. The Guards claimed their naval forces targeted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three other vessels associated with the U.S. elsewhere, warning ships against using unauthorized routes. The U.S. Central Command had earlier reported disabling three Iranian oil tankers after Iran’s Guard fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer. This escalation follows Iran’s alleged missile attack on U.S. military assets, indicating Tehran’s increased willingness to take risks. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed four people in response to an attempted Hezbollah attack. In Yemen, renewed clashes between government forces and Houthi rebels resulted in over 60 deaths, highlighting ongoing regional tensions. QUESTION: How might escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. impact global oil markets and international relations?