US Destroys 3 Iranian Oil Tankers in Hormuz Strait After Missile Barrage

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday that it had destroyed three Iranian crude oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. This action followed an Iranian missile attack targeting two U.S. Navy warships patrolling the area. According to CENTCOM, the U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the Iranian attacks, with no American personnel injured.

CENTCOM stated that the "Doni," "Star 1," and "Kilo" tankers were permanently disabled. The "Doni" was struck off the coast of Kharg Island, the "Star 1" near Jask Island, and the "Kilo" in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces hit critical areas of the vessels after the crews were ordered to abandon ship. These tankers are part of Iran's "shadow fleet," valued at billions of dollars, which funds the Revolutionary Guard and its proxies.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, issued a stern warning, stating, "The message to the Revolutionary Guard is clear: if you fire on two of our ships, we will exact a much higher economic price from you, we will disable three of your ships." He emphasized that the U.S. would not hesitate to defend its forces and would destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet if necessary.

Video footage, reportedly from a nearby vessel, captured U.S. military warnings to the "Star 1" before the strike. The warnings escalated, giving the crew three minutes, then one minute, to evacuate before U.S. forces opened fire. Crew members were heard discussing the situation in Persian and Urdu, with one noting the captain was still asleep.

The "Star 1," carrying Iranian oil, was previously placed on U.S. sanctions lists in 2018. Iran's initial report mentioned only one tanker being hit near Kharg Island, claiming no casualties and that the crew was evacuated. They did not report the strikes on the other two vessels.

This escalation follows a recent U.S. strike on Larak Island, where the U.S. claimed Iran was preparing to deploy naval mines. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on its neighbors, prompting a wider U.S. response targeting some 60 locations in the Hormuz region and southern Iran. Recent reports also mentioned missile interceptions over the Sea of Galilee, attributed by the IDF to Jordan, while Iranian and other reports suggested Iranian missile fire towards a U.S. base in Jordan. President Trump also reiterated threats of potential strikes on Iran.