US Targets Iranian Oil Fleet in Retaliation for Ballistic Missile Attack

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that on September 5, 2026, American forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude oil tankers and destroyed a third in response to Iran's launch of ballistic missiles toward an American aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer.

The tankers targeted by the U.S. were identified as M/T Downy, which was disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, and M/T Stark 1, which was also disabled near Jask. The third tanker, M/T Kylo, was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM stated that the crew received instructions to abandon the ship before U.S. forces struck it in multiple critical locations. Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander, said that the U.S. 'will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'

The incident comes after the IRGC threatened intensified attacks on U.S. military vessels. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf escalated the warning, saying future attacks would receive a 'faster, heavier, and more painful response.' The U.S. military dismissed Iran's claim that it struck an unmanned American vessel as 'a total lie.'