CENTCOM disables three Iranian oil tankers after Iran targets two U.S. warships

International, Middle East

TAMPA, United States (NPA) — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on Sept. 5 after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in regional waters.

According to CENTCOM, a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks, with no American personnel harmed.

Following the attacks, CENTCOM said its forces permanently disabled the IRGC-linked crude oil carriers M/T Downy, off the coast of Kharg Island, and M/T Stark 1, near Jask.

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It said American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” in the Gulf of Oman.

According to the command, the Kylo was struck at multiple critical locations after its crew was directed to abandon the vessel, rendering it inoperable.

CENTCOM said the three tankers were part of what it described as a multibillion-dollar shadow network used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies.

The command warned that it would continue to target Iran’s oil fleet if American forces came under attack.

“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,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” he added.

The latest strikes come amid an ongoing escalation between the United States and Iran, with CENTCOM reporting recent operations against Iranian military and IRGC targets.

On Sept. 1, CENTCOM said U.S. forces had conducted strikes against IRGC targets including air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities.