U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers Saturday, Sept. 5 in direct retaliation after Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at two American warships, U.S. Central Command said.
CENTCOM said Iran targeted two U.S. warships before American forces disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy, off the coast of Kharg Island, and M/T Stark 1, near Jask. A third vessel, the unladen M/T Kylo — also known as the Noxen — was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship. CENTCOM said the three tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.
"Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours," Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said. "We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet."
Iran's military command warned its strikes on U.S. warships will intensify if Washington continues its naval siege — and could expand if America keeps "harassing" Iranian ships, state media reported.
The IRGC Navy warned all vessels in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz against "suspicious movements," according to a statement. The IRGC also claimed it targeted three oil tankers moving through unauthorized routes in the strait following the U.S. strikes, and struck three additional U.S. vessels in other areas. There was no immediate U.S. confirmation of the claims.
The conflict escalated on Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against the Iranian regime. President Trump has repeatedly said U.S. forces control the Strait of Hormuz and will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports as long as Iran continues targeting commercial shipping.
