The US military has struck three Iranian oil tankers, permanently disabling two and destroying a third, after ballistic missiles were launched towards two American warships in the Gulf region, US Central Command (Centcom) said on Saturday.
Centcom said a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer evaded "multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks" while patrolling in the region and that no American personnel were hurt. One tanker was hit near Kharg Island, another near Jask, and an unladen tanker was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman, according to the statement.
"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 Admiral Brad Cooper, Centcom's commander. "We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet."
The US statement said the tankers were part of a shadow network helping to fund Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its armed proxies. The attacks come a day after President Donald Trump sought to minimise the conflict as "small potatoes", according to multiple reports.
Iranian state media earlier reported that one of its oil tankers had been struck by US missiles off the coast of Kharg Island.
The strikes follow a renewed phase of hostilities nearly a week after the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by attacking Israel, US bases and allied Gulf states, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to marine traffic. Negotiations have collapsed, and both sides continue to inflict military and economic pain.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The direct targeting of oil tankers escalates the economic dimension of the conflict, hitting Iran's revenue stream and global oil supply routes.
- This marks a significant expansion of US military action beyond defensive strikes, explicitly threatening Iran's entire oil fleet.
- The Strait of Hormuz closure and ongoing attacks risk broader regional instability and higher global energy prices.
Background
The US and Iran have been locked in an on-again, off-again conflict since late February, when the US and Israel launched a wide-ranging assault on Iran. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel, US bases, and allied Gulf states, and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to marine traffic. After a month of relative calm, hostilities resumed nearly a week ago. Both sides have sought to inflict both military and economic damage, and diplomatic efforts have stalled.
Key Perspectives
US Central Command: States the strikes were a proportional response to Iranian missile attacks on US warships, and warns of further destruction of Iran's oil fleet if attacks continue.
Iranian authorities: Have accused the US of attacking an Iranian tanker near Kharg Island; state media confirmed one tanker was hit. Iran has previously threatened retaliation against US forces and allies.
Critics/Skeptics: The escalation risks drawing the US deeper into a prolonged conflict with Iran, potentially disrupting global oil markets and dragging in regional powers.
What to Watch
- Iran's next military response — whether it targets US naval assets, allies, or oil infrastructure.
- Oil price movements and any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Any new diplomatic initiatives or UN Security Council actions in response to the widening conflict.