The United States and Iran exchanged attacks at sea as Washington struck three Iranian vessels and Tehran targeted three oil tankers, three United States-linked vessels and US warships near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said one tanker was hit off Kharg Island, another near Jask and an unladen vessel in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was told to abandon ship. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, said it launched several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and destroyer, which CENTCOM said evaded the attacks without US casualties. Iran described the US actions as a blockade and warned vessels against unauthorized routes, while Washington said the strait remained open and that 17 million barrels of crude had recently crossed it. Kpler data showed only five, 11 and six vessels crossed on the latest three days, versus a 10-day average of 13. At least 23 ships were hit in July and August, traffic remains below prewar levels, and energy and insurance costs have risen.