IRGC strikes three tankers in Strait of Hormuz, US-linked vessels in tit-for-tat escalation

Iran's IRGC attacked three tankers on an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz and three US-linked vessels elsewhere, retaliating for US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers, per IRIB. This marks a direct military exchange between Iran and US-linked shipping, escalating the tanker war in the Gulf. The extent of damage and casualties is unconfirmed, and the risk of broader maritime conflict is rising.