The US military struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf on September 5, in retaliation for ballistic missile attacks on two US Navy warships. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed disabling two tankers and destroying a third, with no American personnel harmed.
The Latest Development
The US military struck three Iranian oil tankers on September 5 in the Persian Gulf, including one near Kharg Island, in response to ballistic missile attacks on two US Navy warships, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). No American personnel were harmed during the incident.
CENTCOM confirmed that two Iranian crude oil carriers were permanently disabled—the M/T Downy near Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask—and a third, unladen vessel, the M/T Kylo, was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state media reported that four US missiles struck a tanker approximately six miles from Kharg Island, where Iran exports most of its oil.
Immediate Response & Verified Actions
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that an aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks while patrolling the region. The strikes followed IRGC missile launches targeting the US vessels, which CENTCOM described as unprovoked. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, warned: "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours."
CENTCOM identified the targeted tankers as part of a shadow network funding Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional proxies. The M/T Kylo was struck after its crew was ordered to abandon ship, with US forces targeting multiple critical areas. Video footage of the strikes was released by CENTCOM.
Iran’s Claims & Regional Context
Iranian state media reported the attack on a tanker near Kharg Island, stating there were no casualties and the crew was being evacuated. Kharg Island, a strategic oil export hub, has been a repeated flashpoint in the conflict. The US previously struck military targets on the island in March but avoided oil infrastructure at the time.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, has seen escalating tensions since the war began in late February, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait in response to sanctions and military pressure. US President Donald Trump had previously stated in a June 11 social media post that Kharg Island could be targeted if Iran continued disrupting shipping.
Broader Conflict Dynamics
The latest strikes mark a renewed escalation after a month of relative calm, with both sides engaging in military and economic retaliation. The conflict began in February when the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, prompting Iran to attack US bases, Israel, and Gulf allies. Negotiations have collapsed, and both nations have sought to inflict strategic and financial damage.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the conflict with Iran does not meet the definition of a war, despite the recent escalations. The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April, disrupting oil exports that previously flowed primarily through Kharg Island. Iran, the third-largest OPEC producer, has seen its oil industry severely impacted by these measures.
Humanitarian & Economic Impact
While no casualties were reported in the immediate strikes, the disruption to Iran’s oil infrastructure—a key revenue source—could exacerbate economic strain. The M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1 were permanently disabled, while the M/T Kylo was destroyed, reducing Iran’s operational capacity. The Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz remain high-risk zones for maritime traffic.
CENTCOM reiterated its stance that it would defend American forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s exposed oil fleet. The strikes underscore the ongoing cycle of retaliation and the fragility of ceasefire efforts in the region.