US Destroys Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions
The United States military stated it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday. This action followed what the US called attempted missile attacks on its naval ships. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by saying they targeted vessels linked to the US.
US Central Command, or CENTCOM, reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) tried to hit American warships. CENTCOM then disabled two IRGC oil carriers, the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1. It also destroyed the M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM said these three tankers were part of a large network. This network helps fund the IRGC and its allied groups in the region. Admiral Brad Cooper of CENTCOM warned that the US would impose higher economic costs if its ships were attacked.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards gave a different account. They claimed their air force attacked a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer. They said these American warships were damaged and forced to retreat. CENTCOM denied these claims, saying US ships avoided Iranian attacks.
After the US strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also stated they targeted six vessels. Three were oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The other three were ships they linked to the United States.
Iran’s foreign ministry called the US strikes on the oil tankers “illegal and aggressive.” Iranian state TV reported that the crews of some tankers were taken to shore safely. No casualties were reported on one tanker.
Iran’s military command warned of stronger retaliation if US attacks continue. They said their response against US warships could become even more severe. The Strait of Hormuz is a very important waterway for oil trade. About one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies once passed through it.
This new series of clashes comes during a six-month-long conflict. The United States has been trying to reduce Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is also trying to hurt Iran’s economy with new sanctions.
Last week, the US Treasury announced sanctions on a Turkish bank for its links to the IRGC. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined plans for “economic asphyxiation” of Iran. He warned other countries about the consequences if they do not join the US efforts.
