U.S. Says It Will Sink Three Enemy Ships for Every Two Attacks as Iranian Tankers Are Struck

The United States and Iran exchanged attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 5, intensifying tensions along a critical route for Middle Eastern crude shipments.

U.S. Central Command said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard carried out multiple attacks against a U.S. aircraft carrier and a missile destroyer. The command said American forces responded by striking three Iranian tankers: the Downy off Kharg Island, Iran’s crude-export hub; the Stark 1 near the export port of Jask; and the Kylo in the Gulf of Oman.

Central Command said it confirmed that the Kylo’s crew had abandoned the vessel before sinking it, and released video related to the operation. The attacks followed the U.S. resumption of strikes against Iran on Aug. 30, after a month-long pause.

U.S. Central Commander Brad Cooper issued a blunt warning about the military response. “If Iran attacks two of our ships, we will sink three enemy ships and make it pay a greater economic price,” he said. The article said both sides have continued taking military action against each other, raising concern that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could escalate further.

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If Iran attacks two of our ships, we will sink three enemy ships and make it pay a greater economic price.