US Destroys Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Failed Missile Attack
US forces took decisive action against Iran's oil tankers on September 5 after ballistic missiles were launched towards two US Navy warships. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the warships, but they successfully evaded the attacks with no American personnel harmed.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that following the failed Iranian attack, they permanently disabled two oil tankers, M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1. Additionally, a third tanker, M/T Kylo (also known as the 'Noxen'), was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was directed to abandon ship.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, warned that '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.' He emphasized that the US would not hesitate to defend its forces and would destroy Iran's exposed oil fleet if necessary.