US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Missile Attack on Navy Ships

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US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Missile Attack on Navy Ships

Tensions in the Gulf of Oman escalated dramatically on September 5, 2026, as the United States military struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers, following missile and drone attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.

The confrontation began when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in the region. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks, with no American personnel harmed. The IRGC claimed, however, that its missiles struck and damaged both vessels, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

In response to what it described as “unprovoked” Iranian attacks, CENTCOM forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude oil carriers—the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” in the Gulf of Oman, striking it at multiple critical locations after the crew was directed to abandon ship. The U.S. military later released video footage showing the vessel sinking into the Gulf of Oman.

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According to CENTCOM, the three tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar Iranian “shadow network” allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxy groups. The command noted that Iran has no means to defend these vessels. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper issued a stark warning to the IRGC, stating: “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. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also issued a direct warning to Tehran via social media: “It’s simple: if Iran shoots at US ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is not shoot at @USNavy. Iran’s oil tanker fleet is defenceless — Iran has no navy or air force. Our planes, ships & subs can strike them all.” The strikes marked the first reported U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf since the beginning of the conflict, adding a new dimension to the confrontation and raising concerns over the security of Iran’s maritime energy infrastructure.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the U.S. attacks, describing them as “illegal and irresponsible” and a continuation of U.S. military aggression, naval blockade, and economic warfare against Iran. The ministry stated that the actions constituted a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, a war crime, and a threat to international peace and security, adding that the consequences would rest with the United States and its allies. A senior Iranian military official, Brigadier General Habibollah Sayyari, said Iran had withstood attacks despite facing an adversary with extensive technological and military capabilities, describing the conflict as a test of will and endurance. The IRGC warned that continued U.S. military action would draw “heavier” responses from Iran’s armed forces.

Following the attacks, the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain issued a security alert urging American citizens in Bahrain and across the region to exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other travel disruptions amid heightened regional tensions.

The latest clashes have cast new doubt on the already fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which had been announced on April 8, 2026, through Pakistani mediation. The U.S. has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13, with CENTCOM stating that more than 70 oil tankers are currently being prevented from entering or leaving Iranian ports, with the capacity to transport over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth an estimated $13 billion. As both sides accuse each other of violations and vow further retaliation, the risk of a wider military escalation remains high.