The United States reported having destroyed three oil tankers belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, in response to a ballistic missile attack launched by Tehran against two American warships patrolling waters in the Strait of Hormuz area. The tankers hit were the M/T Downy, off the coast of Kharg Island, the M/T Stark 1, near Jask, and the M/T Kylo (also known as Noxen), in the Gulf of Oman. US forces "permanently disabled" two of the ships and "completely destroyed" the third, which was empty. No American military personnel were injured.
The three tankers belonged to Iran's so-called "ghost fleet," which serves to finance the Revolutionary Guard. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the ships "had no means of self-defense." The commander of US Central Command Armed Forces, Brad Cooper, stated that the message to the Revolutionary Guard is clear: "If they fire at two of our ships, we will apply a greater economic cost and eliminate three of yours," adding that the USA will not hesitate to destroy Iran's "limited and vulnerable oil fleet."
Iranian media reported "several explosions" near Kharg Island, where the country's main oil terminal is located. The Fars news agency reported that there was no visible smoke after the explosions, while the SNN agency confirmed that an Iranian tanker was targeted by the United States.
The conflict between the two countries enters its seventh month, with confrontations resuming on Sunday with US attacks on Iran. Tehran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington maintains the blockade on Iranian ports. On Thursday, Iran had announced attacks on American military bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, promising revenge for a missile attack that hit a wedding party.
