TEHRAN, Iran: US strikes on Iranian tankers hit three vessels on Saturday. This came after the U.S. military said Iran attacked an American aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer with missiles.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the two warships evaded multiple attacks and no American personnel were injured. Iran had not immediately provided a detailed account of the alleged attacks on the U.S. vessels.
CENTCOM said it permanently disabled M/T Downy off Iran’s Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. Meanwhile, the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was told to abandon ship.
The U.S. military alleged that the tankers formed part of a multibillion-dollar network financing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and allied armed groups. However, that characterisation has not been independently established.
“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.” — Adm. Brad Cooper,… pic.twitter.com/UGGcSGsUtd
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 5, 2026Iranian media separately reported that a tanker near Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude-export hub in the Persian Gulf, was struck by U.S. projectiles. According to Iranian reports, no casualties were reported in that attack.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned that attacks on American forces would bring higher economic costs for Iran. He also said U.S. forces could target more of Iran’s oil fleet if necessary.
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The strikes marked another escalation in renewed U.S.-Iran fighting around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. This happened after roughly a month of relative calm.
