In brief
The US Central Command announced that it has permanently disabled a tanker near Kharg Island, another near the Strait of Hormuz, and completely destroyed a third in the Gulf of Oman. These strikes follow ballistic‑missile attacks on two US warships, prompting a swift naval response. Admiral Brad Cooper warned Iran that future attacks would trigger even higher economic costs. The incident marks a sharp intensification after a brief period of calm earlier this year.
US hits three Iranian oil tankers after saying its warships were targeted
5 September 2026, 15:35 BST – Updated 7 minutes ago
US Central Command (Centcom) says it has permanently disabled a tanker near Kharg Island, another near the Strait of Hormuz, and completely destroyed a third in the Gulf of Oman.
Centcom reported that US warships avoided every attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the region. No American personnel were harmed.
Iranian state media earlier claimed one of its oil tankers had been struck by US missiles off Kharg Island. The US volley was a clear warning that any further aggression would be met with “an even higher economic cost – taking out three of yours,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Centcom.
'We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,' Cooper added.
These strikes come nearly a week after a flare‑up that began with US and Israel’s military actions on 28 February, followed by Iranian attacks on Israel, US bases and allied Gulf states, and an eventual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
