The United States destroyed three Iranian oil carriers in a retaliatory strike after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted U.S. Navy warships, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.
Two U.S. Navy warships were conducting routine patrols in regional waters when they were targeted by Iran on Saturday. An aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks, and no American personnel were harmed, according to CENTCOM.
In response, American forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude oil carriers, one near Kharg Island and another near Jask. Additionally, U.S. forces completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM stated that the crew of the M/T Kylo was directed to abandon ship before the vessel was hit.
"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."
This escalation follows a period of on-again, off-again conflict that began on February 28, with both nations attempting to inflict military and economic damage amidst collapsed negotiations. The strikes on the oil carriers occurred a day after former President Donald Trump described the ongoing conflict as "small potatoes."
Iranian state television had previously reported that four U.S. missiles struck a tanker approximately six miles from Kharg Island, a key terminal for the country's oil exports. Kharg Island has been a frequent target throughout the war.
The engagements came nearly a week after the U.S. and Iran resumed hostilities following a month of relative calm. The recent uptick in fighting followed renewed efforts by the Trump administration to apply economic pressure on Tehran. The U.S. military has been involved in guiding ships through the strait amidst Iranian actions and targeting of vessels, although overall maritime traffic remains limited.
