US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers After Failed Missile Attack on Navy Ships

US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on September 5, 2026, after an attempted missile attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on two US Navy warships patrolling regional waters. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that no American personnel were hurt in the incident.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated '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.'

The US military targeted the M/T Downy off Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, as well as 'completely destroyed' the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman.