US CENTCOM Strikes Iranian Oil Carriers After Ballistic Missile Attacks

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on September 5, 2026. The military action was taken after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles targeting two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.

The US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the unprovoked attacks with no American personnel harmed. In response, U.S. forces executed highly targeted strikes against Iran's oil infrastructure, focusing on vessels that fund the IRGC's multibillion-dollar shadow network and its regional proxies.

The operations resulted in the permanent disabling of M/T Downy off Kharg Island (Iran's primary oil export hub) and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. The vessel M/T Kylo, also known as 'Noxen', was completely destroyed by precision strikes in multiple critical locations across the Gulf of Oman.

US CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating that if further attacks occur, the US military will systematically destroy Iran's 'limited and exposed oil fleet'. Global oil markets reacted immediately, with Brent crude climbing above $96 a barrel due to supply disruption fears in the Strait of Hormuz.