The United States Central Command (Centcom) has confirmed that three Iranian‑linked oil tankers were struck in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz on 5 September. This action follows ballistic missiles fired by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) at two US warships in the region.”
According to Centcom, a tanker near Kharg Island was “permanently disabled,” another within the Strait of Hormuz was also disabled, and a third was “completely destroyed” in the Gulf of Oman. Centcom highlighted that US forces successfully evaded multiple attacks from the IRGC while protecting an aircraft carrier and a guided‑missile destroyer. No American servicemen were injured.
Iranian state media earlier reported that a tanker had been struck near Kharg Island, corroborating Centcom’s claims.
An Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Centcom, stated, “If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—taking out three of yours.” He added, “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
This episode follows a month of relative calm after a wide‑ranging U.S. and Israel strike on Iranian infrastructure on 28 February. Iran subsequently responded by targeting Israel, U.S. bases, and allied states in the Gulf, closing the Strait of Hormuz to marine traffic.
The incident signals a sharp escalation in U.S.–Iran tensions at a time when global oil flows remain vulnerable and the Gulf of Hormuz serves as a strategic chokepoint for international shipping.
