US, Iran engaged in tanker war: Where is the months-long conflict headed?

The United States has escalated its attacks by targeting three Iranian oil tankers, while Iran retaliated by striking tankers and launching a ballistic missile towards US warships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated that these strikes followed Iranian missile launches against a US aircraft carrier and navy destroyer. CENTCOM's commander warned that higher economic costs would be imposed on Iran in response to these attacks.