US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers After Warships Targeted in Gulf

The US military says it has hit three Iran-linked oil tankers after ballistic missiles were launched towards two of its warships in the region .

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday it had “permanently disabled” a tanker near Kharg Island and another near the Strait of Hormuz, and “completely destroyed” a third in the Gulf of Oman .

CENTCOM said it “successfully evaded” multiple attacks from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer. No American troops were harmed, it said in a statement .

US Vows to Inflict Economic Cost

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, delivered a stark warning to Tehran .

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost – taking out three of yours,” Cooper said .

“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” he added .

The three tankers targeted were identified as the M/T Downy off Kharg Island, the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, and the unladen M/T Kylo—also known as the “Noxen”—which was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship .

CENTCOM claimed the vessels were “part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies” .

Conflict Escalates After Relative Calm

The strikes come nearly a week after renewed attacks between the US and Iran, which followed a month of relative calm between the warring sides .

The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, with Iran responding by attacking Israel, US bases and allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to marine traffic .

The conflict over the strait has raised energy prices globally, and ahead of the US midterm elections in November, President Trump is facing pressure over how much the war is costing American consumers .

Iranian Media Reports Tanker Attack

Iranian state media earlier reported that one of its oil tankers had been struck by US missiles off the coast of Kharg Island . Iranian state TV said four US missiles struck a tanker about six miles (10 kilometres) from the island, which is home to a terminal through which the country exports most of its oil .

The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 June concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation has stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements .