The policy, approved by President Trump, promises to hit one Iranian government vessel for every commercial tanker Iran targets, aiming to deter attacks and safeguard oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of global seaborne crude.
U.S. drones damaged the engine rooms of two state-owned tankers anchored off Iran's coast as part of strikes on about 100 targets, including IRGC sites. Iran claims the tankers hit naval mines in a U.S.-directed illegal route and vows tougher measures against non-compliant shipping.