The United States military announced on September 5, 2026, that it had struck and rendered inoperable three Iranian crude oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to missile attacks aimed at American warships in the region. According to a statement issued by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked ballistic missile strikes launched by IRGC forces before initiating retaliatory strikes.
CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces permanently disabled two crude oil carriers—the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island, Iran's primary crude export hub, and the M/T Stark 1 near the port city of Jask. A third, unladen vessel, the M/T Kylo, was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to evacuate. U.S. officials described the targeted ships as critical components of a shadow commercial network that generates billions of dollars to finance IRGC operations and regional proxy groups.
The military engagement marks a severe escalation in the ongoing maritime conflict between the two nations, which has repeatedly disrupted commercial shipping routes and international trade through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the retaliatory action was intended to impose a heavy economic cost on Tehran while safeguarding international maritime security. Iranian state media confirmed strikes on vessels near Kharg Island but reported that crew members were evacuated without casualties.
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