US Military Says It Destroyed Three Iranian Oil Tankers
ISTANBUL — September 5, 2026
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that American forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers following ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against two US Navy vessels in regional waters.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully avoided several Iranian attacks. The command added that no US military personnel were injured in the incidents.
CENTCOM reported that American forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy near Iran’s Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 close to Jask. US forces also destroyed the empty M/T Kylo, also referred to as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was instructed to leave the vessel.
According to CENTCOM, the three tankers were allegedly connected to a multibillion-dollar shadow network that generates financial support for the IRGC and its regional allies.
CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper warned that Iran would face greater economic consequences if it continued attacking US forces. He said Washington would take firm action to protect American personnel and could target Iran’s vulnerable oil fleet if necessary.
Tensions across the region have increased since US and Israeli attacks against Iran began on February 28. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US interests in different parts of the region.
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 regarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement has not been fully implemented because the two sides remain divided over security arrangements in the strategically important waterway.
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