US-Iran war: American forces ‘permanently disabled’ 3 IRGC-linked oil tankers after attacks by Tehran

The US military said on Saturday that it had destroyed three oil tankers allegedly associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following what it described as attacks by Iranian forces on American warships.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on X that Iranian vessels were “permanently disabled” near Iran’s coast.

"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," CENTCOM wrote on X.

The command stated another tanker, which was carrying no cargo, was targeted in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was hit at several critical points after its crew was instructed to leave the ship.

"American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo... in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship," it added.

What does the CENTCOM video show?

A video released by CENTCOM showed massive fireballs and thick flames erupting from the vessels after they were struck by projectiles.

CENTCOM said the three targeted ships were linked to a multibillion-dollar network allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxy groups.

"The three ships targeted were "part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies," it said.

The US military also claimed that Iran lacked the ability to protect the vessels.

"Iran has no means by which to defend them," it added.

CENTCOM said no American military personnel were injured after a US destroyer and aircraft carrier avoided several attacks launched by Iran.

CENTCOM commander's ‘clear message’ to IRGC

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned that the US would impose a higher economic cost on the IRGC following attacks on American vessels.

“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. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” Cooper said.

US-Iran tensions

The latest strikes come amid Washington’s efforts to put increasing economic pressure on Iran, including through a blockade of its ports, while continuing to signal that military action remains an option.

Iran, meanwhile, has disrupted commercial shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, warning vessels that they cannot pass through the waterway without its approval.

The strikes came about a week after the US and Iran resumed hostilities following a month-long period of relative calm in the intermittent conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28. With diplomatic talks having broken down, both sides have continued to target each other with military and economic measures.

The US and Iran traded attacks earlier this week. Washington said its operations were aimed at weakening the IRGC’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping, while Tehran launched attacks against US military bases in neighbouring Jordan.