Houston (Web Desk/Agencies): US forces carried out strikes against three Iranian crude oil tankers on Saturday, following a ballistic missile attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against two US Navy vessels, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM reported that there were no casualties among American personnel as a result of the Iranian missile launches.
The US military command later confirmed that it had “destroyed” three Iranian oil tankers as part of its response to the missile attacks.
In a statement shared on X, CENTCOM said the IRGC had fired ballistic missiles at two US warships, which led American forces to target the Iranian vessels.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 5, 2026
One crude oil carrier was permanently disabled in waters off Kharg Island, while another was struck near Jask, CENTCOM said. A third tanker was targeted in the Gulf of Oman.
The US command said the missile launches were directed at an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer operating in the area. Both US Navy vessels managed to avoid multiple incoming attacks, while no American personnel were injured.
CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the United States would respond with greater economic pressure if Iranian forces attacked American ships again.
“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,” Centcom chief Admiral Brad Cooper is quoted as saying.
“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”