U.S. Attacks Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Missiles Target Navy Warships

Shyok Times | News Desk

U.S. forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers on Saturday after the U.S. military said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships in the region, marking another dangerous escalation in the conflict.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces permanently disabled two Iranian oil carriers and destroyed a third. One of the vessels was struck near Kharg Island, Iran’s major crude oil export hub, while another was targeted near Jask and the third in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM said the strikes followed what it described as multiple Iranian attacks against a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer operating in the region. The American warships reportedly evaded the attacks, and no U.S. personnel were injured.

“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. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.” — Adm. Brad Cooper,… pic.twitter.com/UGGcSGsUtd

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 5, 2026

Tanker Hit Near Kharg Island

Iranian state and semi-official media also reported the attack on an oil tanker near Kharg Island. Tasnim reported that the vessel was hit by four projectiles and that its crew was evacuated. Iranian reports said there were no casualties.

Audio reportedly confirmed by CNN indicated that a U.S. military aircraft issued warnings to the tanker before opening fire, instructing the crew to move away from the stern and eventually abandon the vessel.

Kharg Island is critically important to Iran's oil industry and has traditionally handled the vast majority of the country's crude exports. Its strategic importance has made the island a significant focus during the ongoing conflict.

Iran Reports Attacks on Other Vessels

Iranian state media said Tehran also targeted three vessels that it described as being affiliated with the United States. Iranian authorities said the vessels were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz along routes considered unauthorized by Iran.

The developments threaten to further intensify the shipping confrontation around the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transportation corridors.

The latest exchange follows renewed fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran after months of heightened military tensions.

Growing Risk to Global Energy Supplies

The attacks have raised fresh concerns about the security of commercial shipping and global energy markets.

Kharg Island serves as Iran's principal oil export terminal, while dozens of Iranian tankers have reportedly remained in and around the Persian Gulf amid restrictions on shipping.

Any prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could have consequences well beyond the region because the waterway is a critical route for international oil and gas shipments.

Trump Has Previously Threatened Action Over Kharg Island

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously threatened action involving Kharg Island as Washington has increased pressure on Tehran.

While the administration has emphasized economic measures and sanctions against Iran, the latest military exchanges indicate that the possibility of further confrontation remains high.

Iranian officials have warned that Tehran would respond to attacks against its territory, forces or interests.

Conflict Risks Further Escalation

The latest strikes represent another significant escalation between the two sides and raise the possibility of a new cycle of retaliation.

With military forces operating around the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, any further attacks on naval vessels or commercial tankers could increase risks to international shipping and global energy supplies.

Shyok Times News Desk will continue to monitor developments in the region and provide updates as verified information becomes available.

Editorial note: Because the supplied copy contains multiple claims attributed to U.S. Central Command and Iranian state/semi-official media, the article uses attribution throughout rather than presenting disputed military claims as independently verified facts.

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