U.S. military forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in retaliation for what they described as ballistic missile attacks targeting two U.S. Navy warships. The strikes, which occurred near Kharg Island, Jask, and in the Gulf of Oman, mark a significant escalation in ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to U.S. Central Command (Centcom), two of the Iranian crude carriers were “permanently disabled”—one off the coast of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal, and another near the southern port city of Jask, close to the Strait of Hormuz. A third tanker, which was unladen and located in the Gulf of Oman, was destroyed after its crew was ordered to abandon ship. Centcom released video footage purportedly showing the strikes.
In a statement, Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, warned that the United States would impose “an even higher economic cost” on Iran if it continues attacks against American naval vessels and added that the U.S. would “if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.” He characterized the targeted tankers as part of a “shadow fleet” that helps fund Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated militias across the region.
The U.S. military said the targeted Iranian vessels had been involved in attempts to transport oil despite a U.S. naval blockade and sanctions designed to curtail Iran’s oil exports. The strikes followed what the U.S. described as “multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks” on a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer patrolling in the region; no American personnel were reported harmed.
Iranian state media confirmed the strikes on their oil tankers, reporting that crews had evacuated without casualties. Tehran has responded by warning that any continued interference with Iranian shipping would provoke more severe retaliation. Iranian state broadcasters also reported that Iran had carried out missile strikes on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and six American ships in response to the U.S. attacks, though these claims could not be independently verified.
The incident comes amid a complex and deteriorating conflict that began earlier this year with a series of military engagements between U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces. After months of on-again, off-again hostilities and failed diplomatic efforts, fighting has intensified in recent weeks around the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments.
The regional escalation has resulted in casualties on both sides, including the recent deaths of at least five people, some civilians, during U.S. bombardments in southern Iran. Reports include devastating attacks on civilian areas, such as a strike hitting a wedding gathering and injuring children.
U.S. officials maintain that their military response is aimed at deterring further Iranian aggression and enforcing a naval blockade intended to cut off Iran’s economic support networks. Meanwhile, Iran’s hard-line leadership has shown determination to withstand economic pressures and sanctions imposed by Washington, even as the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed willingness to negotiate an end to hostilities.
The situation remains fragile, with both sides engaged in a cycle of attacks and reprisals that raise concerns about a broader conflict in the region. The future status of the Strait of Hormuz continues to be a focal point of the clash, as Iran asserts control and the U.S. leads efforts to secure the waterway for international shipping amid the ongoing dispute.