US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Attempted Missile Strike

US forces launched a surprise attack on three Iranian oil tankers on September 5, 2026, after an attempted missile strike on two US Navy warships in regional waters. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at the ships, but they were intercepted by CENTCOM.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that if IRGC shoots at American forces, there will be an even higher economic cost. '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 said in a post.

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. The vessels were part of a 'multibillion-dollar shadow network' that finances IRGC and its regional proxies.

No American personnel were hurt in the incident. Iranian state television reported four US missiles struck a tanker near Kharg Island, but authorities did not issue an immediate response to CENTCOM's announcement.