U.S. forces destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two Navy warships, CENTCOM confirms.

The targets—a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided missile destroyer—were not hit. No American casualties reported.

"If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—taking out three of yours," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation in direct U.S.-Iran military confrontation in the region.