The tankers formed part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network funding the IRGC and its regional proxies, the US Central Command said, adding that Iran had no means of defending the vessels. Iran responded by threatening oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain. Key points and original sources are listed below.

• The tankers formed part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network funding the IRGC and its regional proxies, the US Central Command said, adding that Iran had no means of defending the vessels.S1

• Iran responded by threatening oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain.S2