Jakarta, ThedailyID — The United States military claims it attacked and destroyed three oil tankers allegedly affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes came after Iranian forces allegedly fired on US warships. The attacks targeted the tankers Downy, Stark 1 and Kylo.
“After Iran’s failed attack, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil tanker Downy off Kharg Island and the tanker Stark 1 near Jask,” CENTCOM said in a statement on X on Saturday (05/09/2026).
CENTCOM also said US forces completely destroyed the Kylo, an empty crude oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The US military said it struck several vital points on the vessel after its crew received orders to abandon the ship.
Videos released by CENTCOM showed large fireballs and flames rising after projectiles struck the vessels.
The US military alleged that the three tankers formed part of a multibillion-dollar “shadow fleet” that finances the IRGC and its regional proxy groups.
“Iran does not have the capability to protect these vessels,” CENTCOM added.
Meanwhile, CENTCOM said no US troops were injured during the confrontation. The US military said a destroyer and an aircraft carrier successfully avoided several Iranian attacks.
“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: if you fire on our two ships, we will deliver greater economic consequences by destroying three of your ships,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said, as quoted by AFP.
The strikes came as Washington continued to pressure Iran economically. The US has also threatened further military action while seeking to restrict Iran’s access to international trade routes.
Iran, meanwhile, has blocked commercial traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have threatened to attack vessels that lack permission to pass through the waterway.
Both sides exchanged fire earlier in the week. The US said its latest attacks aimed to weaken the IRGC’s ability to target commercial vessels.
Iran, meanwhile, reportedly fired at a US military base in Jordan and other areas in the region.
The latest confrontation adds to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
