US Strikes Iran-Linked Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman
The United States military has struck an Iranian-linked oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions between the two countries over energy shipments. The M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, sank after being hit by American forces on Saturday.
The US Central Command said the vessel was unladen and that its crew had been directed to abandon ship before the attack. Video released by CENTCOM showed the damaged tanker listing and sinking.
The strikes were in retaliation for Iranian missile attacks on US Navy warships, which the two vessels evaded without any casualties. The US has also disabled two other tankers, M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1, as part of a multibillion-dollar shipping network that helps finance the IRGC and its regional partners.
The location of the Downy strike is significant, as Kharg Island has historically handled about 90% of Iran's crude exports. The disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz threatens to increase prices and inflation expectations.