US attacks three Iranian oil tankers after attack on American warships

The United States attacked three Iranian oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two American warships patrolling regional waters, according to U.S. Central Command.

Centcom said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks, and that no American personnel were injured. U.S. forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy off Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask in the Gulf of Oman.

They also completely destroyed the empty tanker M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman. Centcom said the vessel was struck at several critical points after its crew had been ordered to abandon ship, leaving it inoperable.

The command described the three tankers as part of a clandestine network worth billions of dollars that finances the Revolutionary Guard and its regional allies. Centcom commander Adm. Brad Cooper issued a direct warning: “If you fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even greater economic cost, sinking three of yours.”

The attacks came as the war, now more than six months old, disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict, about 20% of the world’s crude passed through the strategic waterway. The American Automobile Association said average U.S. gasoline prices reached a record $4.14 per gallon over Labor Day weekend, linking the increase to volatility in the strait and crude prices near $90 a barrel.

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If you fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even greater economic cost, sinking three of yours.