US forces have struck three Iranian crude oil tankers in the Gulf, US Central Command confirmed on Saturday. Two of the tankers were hit near Iran's Kharg Island coast, and explosions were also reported in the area.

President Donald Trump downplayed the conflict, describing it as "small potatoes" and noting 18 Americans have been killed to date in the war with Iran.

The strikes mark a notable intensification in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Targeting oil infrastructure is widely seen as a move that could disrupt global energy markets.

Kharg Island is a vital facility for Iran's oil exports, shipping the bulk of the country's crude shipments. Any disruption there could have far-reaching consequences for international energy markets.

For now, it is not yet known how Tehran will react to the latest strikes. The situation is being tracked carefully as tensions keep rising in the region.