05.09.2026 22:51
The US military announced that it targeted three Iranian oil tankers after Iran's Revolutionary Guard conducted a ballistic missile attack on two US warships in the region. CENTCOM reported that two tankers were disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, and one tanker was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that oil tankers would be struck if Iran fired on US ships. Iran, in turn, warned the US that subsequent attacks would be more severe.
The US army announced that it destroyed 3 tankers belonging to the Revolutionary Guards after Iran targeted 2 US warships in the region.
"US SHIPS SUCCESSFULLY ESCAPED"
In a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), it was reported that they targeted 3 Iranian crude oil tankers after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at 2 US Navy warships patrolling regional waters.
The statement noted that the US ships "successfully escaped" from the attack by Iran, adding that CENTCOM disabled 2 Iranian crude oil tankers off Karg Island and that an Iranian tanker was also destroyed in the Gulf of Oman.
"IF YOU FIRE AT MY SHIPS, WE WILL MAKE YOU PAY A MUCH HIGHER ECONOMIC PRICE"
In the statement, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that they would not hesitate to destroy Iran's limited and vulnerable oil fleet if necessary, and included his words: "Our message to Iran's Revolutionary Guards is clear: if you fire at my ships, we will make you pay a much higher economic price."
DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH: ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS NOT FIRE AT THE US NAVY
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said in a post following CENTCOM's statement on the social media platform, "It's very simple: If Iran fires at US ships, we will destroy and sink their oil tankers. All they have to do is not fire at the US Navy."
Hegseth emphasized that Iran has no navy or air force and that its oil tanker fleet is vulnerable, noting that the US Air Force and Navy could attack the entire fleet.
WARNING FROM IRANIAN ARMED FORCES TO THE US: "SUBSEQUENT ATTACKS WILL BE MORE SEVERE"
Following the attack, Colonel Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the combat unit of the Iranian Armed Forces, warned the US that "subsequent attacks will be more severe."
According to Iranian state television, Zolfaghari stated that if the US continues its naval blockade against Iran and continues attacks on Iranian ships, they will continue to target US military ships in the region.