American forces permanently disabled two tankers and "completely destroyed" a third in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
United States forces have permanently disabled three Iranian oil tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The vessels, identified as "M/T Downy" and "M/T Stark 1," were disabled off the coast of Kharg Island and near Jask, respectively. A third tanker, "M/T Kylo," also known as "Noxen," was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after US forces struck critical operational points, rendering it inoperable.
This action is a direct response to Iran's launch of ballistic missiles targeting two US Navy ships patrolling regional waters. CENTCOM reported that a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully thwarted multiple unprovoked attacks from Iran, with no American military personnel sustaining injuries. The destroyed tankers were part of Iran's "ghost fleet," which the US military stated is used to finance the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated, "Let the message to the Revolutionary Guard be clear: if you fire on two of our ships, we will impose a greater economic cost and eliminate three of yours." He added that the US would not hesitate to defend its forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran's "limited and vulnerable oil fleet." Iranian media had previously reported hearing "several explosions" near Kharg Island, the country's main oil terminal.
Why it mattersThe destruction of Iranian oil tankers by US forces directly impacts global oil markets and the financial operations of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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