US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Response to Recent IRGC Attack
The US military has taken swift action against Iranian oil tankers in response to a recent attack by the IRGC on two US Navy warships. On April 26, 2026, the USS Rafael Peralta implemented a maritime blockade against the Iran-flagged crude oil tanker M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it permanently disabled the M/T Downy and another vessel, M/T Stark 1, near Jask. Additionally, an American aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks.
The US military has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of using a 'multibillion-dollar shadow network' to finance its regional proxies. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper warned that if the IRGC continues to attack American forces, they will take out more oil tankers.