US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers As Tehran Vows Stronger Retaliation
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The United States has struck three Iranian oil tankers in the latest escalation of its conflict with Iran, while Tehran has warned that any further attacks on its vessels or territory could trigger a stronger military response.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday, September 5, that American forces targeted three tankers allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after attempted missile attacks on US naval vessels.
Three Tankers Targeted By US Forces
According to CENTCOM, the vessels targeted were the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1 and M/T Kylo.
The Downy was reportedly disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, while the Stark 1 was targeted near Jask. The Kylo, which CENTCOM said was unladen, was struck in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was directed to abandon the vessel.
CENTCOM alleged that the tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar “shadow network” used to fund the IRGC and its regional allies.
US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the strikes were intended to impose a greater economic cost on Iran following the alleged attacks on American ships.
Iran Warns Of More Severe Retaliation
Iran has rejected the US strikes as illegal and aggressive.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed that its naval forces had targeted three oil tankers travelling through an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three vessels it described as being affiliated with the United States in other areas.
Iranian authorities also warned other ships against using routes that Tehran considers unauthorised.
There were no immediate reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of civilian tankers being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
Crews Evacuated From Tankers
Iranian state media reported that one of the targeted tankers was empty while another was carrying oil. Their crews were reportedly taken to shore in lifeboats.
A state television correspondent on Kharg Island said the attack there caused no casualties.
The status of the three vessels and the full extent of the damage remained unclear from the information available.
Strait Of Hormuz Remains Key Flashpoint
The latest clashes come amid a six-month war and a wider confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Iran has continued to restrict access through the strategic waterway, while Washington is pressing ahead with a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
The US is also seeking to increase pressure on Tehran’s economy through sanctions targeting entities accused of having financial links with Iran.
Iran’s Khatam-al Anbiya central military command warned that continued US attacks would lead to retaliation against American warships that would be “more severe than before” and could expand further.
