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US Strikes Three Iranian Crude Oil Tankers in Retaliation — AI-generated representative image: A crude oil tanker emitting smoke in the Persian Gulf, illustrating the reported US strikes on Iranian tankers.

Editorial Team

CENTCOM targets IRGC-linked vessels as Tehran vows severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that it struck three Iranian crude oil tankers, describing the action as retaliation for multiple unsuccessful "unprovoked attacks" on an American aircraft carrier and a destroyer.

The strikes targeted vessels that CENTCOM says are part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network financing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), escalating an exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran that intensified earlier this week.

The strikes mark a significant escalation in a rapidly deteriorating confrontation between the United States and Iran, one that now directly targets oil shipping and energy infrastructure in the strategic Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The developments carry major implications for global oil markets and maritime security in one of the world's most important energy corridors.

Targeted Vessels and Immediate Aftermath

CENTCOM identified three specific tankers struck by US forces. Two loaded vessels, the M/T Downy off Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf and the M/T Stark 1 off the city of Jask, were "permanently disabled" by hits to their machine compartments. A third vessel, the empty oil carrier M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman, was "completely destroyed" after sustaining multiple hits, with its crew directed to abandon ship beforehand.

Shortly after the announcement, the IRGC said it attacked three "trespassing oil tankers" and a further three US-linked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the American strikes.

Escalation Following Earlier Exchanges

The latest strikes follow a major flare-up in the region earlier this week, when the US and Iran exchanged intensive attacks. Washington resumed striking the Islamic Republic on Tuesday, saying the action came in response to alleged Iranian attempts to target commercial shipping and US troops in the region. Tehran retaliated with a missile and drone barrage against US facilities in the Gulf.

Tehran has previously issued repeated warnings that it would set the oil and gas infrastructure of US allies in the Gulf States "on fire" should its oil facilities, particularly those on Kharg Island, be hit or if Washington attempted to capture the island. Kharg Island houses Iran's key oil hub.

Official Statements and Footage

In a statement, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper delivered a direct message to the IRGC. "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.

Footage released by CENTCOM featured strikes on the three vessels, showing the two loaded tankers disabled by hits to their engine compartments and the M/T Kylo suffering a catastrophic detonation after multiple hits.

What Lies Ahead

Tehran has threatened further retaliation, with the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warning that the US would face "more severe" strikes against its military vessels across the region if it continues to "harass" Iranian shipping and maintain a blockade on the country's ports. The situation remains fluid, with additional developments expected as both sides signal readiness to continue exchanging strikes.