US Military Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Persian Gulf, Citing IRGC Attack

The United States said it struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said the response was intended to send a direct warning to the IRGC. "If they fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even greater economic cost by eliminating three of theirs," he said. Cooper added that US forces would defend American personnel and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and vulnerable oil fleet.

Centcom said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer had evaded multiple Iranian attacks and that no US personnel were injured. It said the tanker M/T Downy was permanently disabled off Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 was disabled near Jask.

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If they fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even greater economic cost by eliminating three of theirs.

US forces also completely destroyed the M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman. Centcom said the vessel was hit at several critical points after its crew had been ordered to abandon ship.

The command described the three tankers as part of a multibillion-dollar clandestine network that finances the IRGC and its regional allies. Iranian news agencies reported Saturday morning that US forces had attacked a tanker near Kharg Island. The report came after the two sides exchanged attacks earlier in the week, their first such exchanges in more than a month.

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We will not hesitate to defend US forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and vulnerable oil fleet.