US Military Destroys Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Missile Attacks on Warships
Quick Look
US forces destroyed three Iranian oil tankers in response to Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps ballistic missile attacks on US navy warships patrolling the region, with no American personnel hurt, according to US Central Command.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tensions between the US and Iran have been ongoing since the Iran war began in late February, with recent exchanges of strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic energy transit chokepoint.
The US military said on Saturday that its forces had hit and destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps fired ballistic missiles towards two navy warships that were patrolling the region.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer ship had "successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks" and that no American personnel were hurt.
"Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask," the statement continued.
"American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the 'Noxen') in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship," it added.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, said the message to the IRGC was "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," he added.
Iranian media outlets had earlier reported that an Iranian oil tanker had been struck by US forces near Kharg Island on Saturday morning, close to the Strait of Hormuz.
Multiple explosions were heard and the tanker was said to have been evacuated, with no casualties reported at the time, according to the same initial reports.
It comes a day after Tehran reportedly launched anti-ship missiles against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media did not provide details as to the targets nor any damage inflicted in the alleged attacks.
Conflict between the two nations resumed last Sunday after US forces carried out strikes on Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait, a strategic energy transit chokepoint that has been at the centre of negotiations between Washington and Tehran since the Iran war began in late February.
CENTCOM said it had taken "limited, precise action" against IRGC minelaying forces, which it said had posed an "imminent threat" in the waterway.
The IRGC confirmed strikes had hit Larak Island and vowed to retaliate, later launching its own attacks on US bases across the Middle East.
CENTCOM forces carried out another wave of strikes on Tuesday, targeting what it said were IRGC air defense sites, mine laying capabilities, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, and communications sites.
It said the move was in response to "recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Iran will retaliate against US interests in the region following the destruction of its oil tankers
Very likely · Within days
The US will maintain or increase its military presence in the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the exact timing and sequence of the IRGC missile attacks on US warships?
- What specific damage was inflicted on the US warships during the alleged IRGC attacks?
- Are there any diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate the current situation?
- What is the current status of the IRGC's oil fleet following the destruction of three tankers?
