The United States obliterated three Iranian oil carriers following an Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. warships in regional waters, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM reported that two U.S. Navy warships were on patrol when they were targeted by Iran. An aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the attacks, and no American personnel sustained injuries.
In retaliation, American forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude oil carriers, one near the island of Kharg and another close to Jask. Additionally, U.S. forces destroyed an unladen crude oil carrier, identified as M/T Kylo, in the Gulf of Oman. According to CENTCOM, the vessel was struck until its crew was ordered to abandon ship.
Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, issued a warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "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," Cooper stated. He added, "We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet."
The U.S. indicated that the strikes on the tankers occurred after Iranian ballistic missiles were launched unsuccessfully at American warships.