US Destroys IRGC Oil Tankers
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The United States struck three Iranian crude oil tankers on Sept. 5 after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships operating in regional waters, according to U.S. Central Command.
The confrontation marks a significant escalation between the United States and Iran, with American forces responding directly to what CENTCOM described as multiple “unprovoked” attacks. The U.S. said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the Iranian strikes and that no American personnel were injured.
Following the failed attacks, U.S. forces targeted three Iranian oil carriers, saying the vessels were part of a broader shadow network used to generate revenue for the IRGC and its regional proxies. The strikes underscore the growing risk of further military and economic confrontation between Washington and Tehran as the United States signals it is prepared to respond forcefully to attacks on its forces.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the strikes were intended to make clear that attacks on American military forces would carry a significant cost for Iran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 5, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.
A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed.
Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship.
The three Iranian crude oil tankers are part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Iran has no means by which to defend them.
“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,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
They also released footage of the strikes.
“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. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.” — Adm. Brad Cooper,… pic.twitter.com/UGGcSGsUtd
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 5, 2026
