US Destroys Five Iranian Oil Carriers Amid Escalating Tensions
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, citing their use as part of a shadow network funding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and regional proxies.
This action follows the destruction of three Iranian crude carriers on September 5 after attacks on a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer. The latest development comes amid rising crude oil prices, with the USO gaining 0.31% and UCO rising 0.41% in Tuesday's after-hours trading.
CENTCOM stated that the five carriers targeted were M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco, and M/T Derya. American forces directed the crews to abandon the ships before they were struck and rendered inoperable, leaving Iran with no means of defending these vessels.