U.S. says it struck three Iran-linked oil tankers after attacks on U.S. warships
CENTCOM says two tankers were disabled near Harg and Jask and a third was destroyed after ballistic missiles were launched at U.S. warships.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it struck three oil tankers linked to Iran after ballistic missiles were fired at two U.S. Navy warships in the region, saying one tanker was permanently disabled and two others were hit in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM said it permanently disabled one tanker near Harg Island and another near Jask, and completely destroyed a third in the Gulf of Oman. The command described the vessels as part of a shadow network worth “more than several billion dollars” that finances the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional proxies.
Washington’s response and public statements
“It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is not shoot at @USNavy .”
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 5, 2026
U.S. officials said the strikes followed ballistic missile launches against a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided‑missile destroyer; CENTCOM said it successfully defeated multiple attacks and that no U.S. service members were injured.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, framed the action as a deterrent: “Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even greater economic cost — by destroying three of yours. We will not hesitate to defend U.S. forces and, if necessary, to destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.”
Photo: press material from the event
