US strikes three Iranian oil tankers after IRGC targets two Navy warships

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers on Saturday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships in regional waters.

According to CENTCOM, an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks, with no U.S. personnel reported injured.

The strikes targeted three vessels identified as part of an Iranian oil network that CENTCOM said generates revenue for the IRGC and its regional proxies.

CENTCOM said the M/T Downy was permanently disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 was disabled near Jask.

A third vessel, the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after American forces struck it at multiple critical points.

CENTCOM said the crew of the Kylo was directed to abandon the vessel before the strikes rendered it inoperable.

The U.S. military described the three tankers as components of a multibillion-dollar “shadow network” used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost-taking out three of yours,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” Cooper added.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation in the confrontation between U.S. forces and Iran, with Washington linking its military response directly to the attempted attacks on American naval vessels.

CENTCOM said the operation demonstrated its determination to protect U.S. forces while targeting what it described as a key source of funding for the IRGC and its regional allies.