US Military Strikes Iranian Tankers After Missile Attacks

On [date not specified], the United States military announced that its forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers following ballistic missile attacks launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) towards two US Navy warships in regional waters. CENTCOM reported that an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks, with no American personnel injured.

The US forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask. Additionally, they destroyed the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship.

CENTCOM stated that these vessels were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network” allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxies. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper warned that further attacks on US ships would result in increased economic costs for Iran, asserting the US's commitment to defending its forces and potentially destroying Iran’s oil fleet.

Tensions in the region have escalated since US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28.