US Military Strikes Three Iranian Tankers After Missile Attacks Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States military announced Saturday that its forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers following an incident where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles toward two US Navy warships near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to US Central Command, a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. In response, US forces permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. Additionally, an unladen crude tanker named the M/T Kylo was completely destroyed outside the Persian Gulf after being hit multiple times.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, stated that the strikes were a direct message following the attack on US vessels. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this stance on X, warning that the US would continue to target Iran's oil tanker fleet if attacks on the US Navy persist.

Iran's foreign affairs ministry strongly condemned the US actions, labeling them as illegal, aggressive, and a clear violation of the UN Charter. State-run media reported that Iranian officials emphasized their intention to respond strongly to the attacks.

The ongoing conflict centers on control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil supplies. With numerous Iranian tankers currently unable to exit the Gulf due to US naval pressure, the latest exchanges threaten to escalate the shipping war in the region.