Pentagon officials said they believed the attack had been carried out with a Chinese-made Silkworm missile.
Then, someone launched a couple of Silkworm missiles and the psychology for a correction of 10 to 15 percent was there.
Iran also deployed Silkworm missiles to attack some ships, but only a few were actually fired.
The Iranians apparently used a Silkworm missile against the tanker.
Chinese Silkworm missiles were used in hundreds of ships and shore batteries.
In addition, the patrol vessel Buchara was hit by a fourth Silkworm missile.
Military experts say even the big Silkworm missiles could not sink a battleship.
For example, they provide "specific guidance" for commanders about how to deal with the possibility of attack by Silkworm missiles.
One of the Iraqi Silkworm missiles crashed into the sea without being intercepted.
Can American warships defend themselves against the Silkworm missiles or can't they?