US Destroys 5 Iranian Oil Tankers Following Missile Attacks On Navy Warship

The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has witnessed a sharp escalation as the United States military conducted a significant retaliatory operation against Iranian maritime assets. In a decisive move, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the destruction of five Iranian crude oil tankers. This military action was a direct response to repeated attempts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to strike a US Navy warship using ballistic missiles. The confrontation underscores the deteriorating security situation in the region, where both nations have been engaged in a cycle of attacks and counter-attacks.

Failed Missile Strikes by IRGC

According to a statement released by CENTCOM on Tuesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attempted to target a US Navy warship twice over the past two days. These attacks involved the use of ballistic missiles aimed at disrupting American naval operations in the regional waters. However, the US military reported that both attempts were unsuccessful. The American warship managed to successfully evade the incoming missiles and maintained its operational status, continuing its activities in the regional waters without interruption. CENTCOM further confirmed that no American personnel were injured or killed during these hostile attempts by the Iranian forces.

Destruction of Five Iranian Tankers

In response to the failed missile strikes, the US military targeted five oil tankers allegedly linked to the IRGC's oil smuggling network. The operation took place in strategic locations, including the Gulf of Oman and near Iran's Kharg Island. The vessels identified and targeted in the Gulf of Oman were M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, and M/T Riesco. On top of that, the tanker M/T Derya was targeted near Kharg Island. The US military stated that these vessels were part of a sophisticated network used to transport oil illegally to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies.

Safety Protocols and Evacuation

Before initiating the strikes on the tankers, the US military issued orders for the crews of the targeted vessels to evacuate. This measure was taken to prevent loss of life while ensuring the destruction of the assets. Following the evacuation, the tankers were damaged to such an extent that they were rendered completely inoperable. CENTCOM emphasized that the US warship continued its patrol in regional waters after successfully avoiding the Iranian attacks, and the destruction of the tankers serves as a clear message regarding the protection of American assets and personnel.

Allegations of Secret Oil Networks

CENTCOM has leveled serious allegations against Iran, claiming that these oil tankers are integral components of a secret oil network worth billions of dollars. According to the US, the revenue generated from this illicit oil trade is used to provide financial support to the IRGC and its various allied organizations across the region. The US military also noted that Iran currently lacks the necessary means to protect these tankers from such retaliatory actions, highlighting a vulnerability in their maritime smuggling operations.

Previous Military Actions

This isn't the first time the US has taken such drastic measures against Iranian oil assets. CENTCOM revealed that on 5 September, the US military had destroyed three other Iranian crude oil tankers. That previous action was also a retaliatory measure following an Iranian attempt to attack a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. The US military maintains that all recent Iranian attempts to strike US Navy warships have ended in failure, demonstrating the effectiveness of American naval defenses.

Iranian Confirmation and Threats

Iranian state media has confirmed that two of their oil tankers were targeted in the recent US strikes, specifically mentioning locations near Jask and Kharg Island. The reports from Tehran stated that the crews were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported on their side. However, the incident has further strained the relationship between Washington and Tehran. In the wake of these attacks, Iran has reportedly issued threats of retaliation against oil tankers operating near the ports of Kuwait and Bahrain, raising concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf.

CENTCOM forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 8, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The U.S. warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and… pic.twitter.com/Gi8a2tloN1

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 8, 2026