US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers yesterday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles towards two US Navy warships patrolling regional waters.
A US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks, CENTCOM stated, adding that no American personnel were harmed.
Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask.
American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the Noxen) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship.
The three Iranian crude oil tankers are part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Iran has no means by which to defend them.
“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 commander. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that an Iranian tanker was hit by US forces yesterday near Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf,
According to a correspondent from Kharg, the tanker was hit by four US missiles in the area of Kharg Island’s anchorage.
Tasnim quoted local sources as saying there were no casualties and the tanker’s crew was being evacuated.
• Former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has called for a national referendum on whether to continue Iran’s confrontation with the US, stressing the need to respect the will of the people.
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