US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Escalating Middle East Conflict

The US military has launched strikes against three Iranian crude oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The attacks come after a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded what the US described as multiple 'unprovoked Iranian attacks'.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that the vessels were part of a multibillion-dollar 'shadow network' used to generate revenue for the IRGC and its regional allies. The strikes targeted the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island, the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, and the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman.

The US military said that no American personnel were injured during the attacks, but the vessels have been rendered inoperable. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran, which began with a major US-Israeli military offensive against Iran on February 28, 2026.