US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers, citing Iranian ballistic missile attacks on two US Navy ships. According to CENTCOM, there were no casualties among US personnel.

The targeted vessels included the tanker M/T Downy near Khark Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, while the tanker M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to leave. CENTCOM claims that these vessels were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxy structures.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that if US ships are attacked, the United States is prepared to impose higher economic costs on Iran. He emphasized that the US would not hesitate to defend its forces and, if necessary, destroy what he described as Iran's limited and vulnerable oil fleet.