US military says it destroyed 3 Iranian oil tankers after IRGC attacks on its Navy ships

US forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on Saturday, hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships, marking another escalation in the months-long confrontation between Washington and Tehran, US Central Command said. The Command added no American personnel were harmed, and the targeted warships were able to evade the incoming missiles.

"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," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet," the USCENTCOM said in a post on X.

"Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship," it added.

The latest strikes add a new dimension to an increasingly intense conflict that has increasingly centred on maritime security and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a key global energy corridor, with around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passing through it. Commercial traffic has already fallen sharply as attacks and military operations have increased risks for shipping.

The US has stepped up military action around the strait in recent days, saying Iranian forces have attempted to threaten commercial vessels and US personnel.

American forces previously struck Iranian military positions on Larak Island, with Washington saying the targets were linked to preparations to deploy sea mines and disrupt maritime traffic.

The confrontation escalated further after US forces carried out another wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure along the southern coast.

US Central Command said those operations targeted air-defence systems, radar installations, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US-linked positions across the region.

Tehran has also warned that it could further restrict oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if its own exports are blocked.

Iranian officials have repeatedly framed the waterway as a potential pressure point in the conflict.

The latest tanker strikes come after reports of other attacks involving commercial vessels in and around the strait.

Two supertankers were reportedly hit while leaving the waterway, adding to concerns among shipping operators and energy traders. An oil tanker was also reported to have been struck near Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil hub, although Iranian authorities had not immediately confirmed the incident.

The conflict has already had repercussions for global energy markets. Brent crude prices have risen amid concerns that continued fighting could further disrupt oil shipments through the Gulf.

Any sustained interference with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could put additional pressure on global supplies, freight costs and fuel prices.

The military exchanges have also raised concerns about a broader regional confrontation.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of a stronger response if it retaliates against American strikes, while Tehran has vowed to respond to what it describes as US aggression.

With attacks now involving military installations, oil infrastructure and commercial shipping, the risk of further escalation remains high.

The immediate focus is likely to remain on the Strait of Hormuz, where another attack on vessels or any attempt to restrict navigation could trigger a fresh round of military action and deepen uncertainty in global energy markets.