New tensions flared between the United States and Iran on September 5, as American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers, according to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). According to the American side, the strikes were carried out in response to the launch of ballistic missiles by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, targeting two U.S. Navy warships conducting patrol operations in the region. An aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the incoming missiles, and no American military casualties were reported.
US & Iran: The strikes on Iranian tankers
CENTCOM stated that U.S. forces permanently disabled the tanker M/T Downy, off the coast of Kharg Island, as well as the M/T Stark 1, near Jask. Additionally, the M/T Kylo, also known as “Noxen,” was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. According to the American statement, the crew had previously been ordered to abandon ship before it was struck at critical points to render it permanently inoperable.
CENTCOM further claimed that the three oil tankers were part of a multi-billion-dollar “shadow network” used to fund Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Tehran-backed organizations throughout the region.
In the same statement, U.S. military command noted that Iran no longer has the capability to protect these vessels.
U.S. Central Command says U.S. forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers on Sept. 5 after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in the region.
CENTCOM said an aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple Iranian attacks… https://t.co/4iSJ0iooN8 pic.twitter.com/GvwKEnZQc8
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) September 5, 2026
