CENTCOM said U.S. forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers after reported missile fire on Navy ships.
Why it matters: The incident could raise risks for shipping near Iran and add pressure to energy and freight markets. It also deepens the maritime standoff between the U.S. and Iran, according to official and wire-service reporting.
- CENTCOM said Sept. 5, 2026, U.S. forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers.
- The command said the strikes followed IRGC ballistic missile launches toward two U.S. Navy warships.
- CENTCOM said the tankers were hit off Kharg Island, near Jask and in the Gulf of Oman.
- Reuters and AP both reported the incident based on CENTCOM's account and cited Iranian outlets saying crews evacuated from at least some vessels.
U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers after what it described as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ballistic missile launches toward two U.S. Navy warships in regional waters.
The command said the tankers were hit off Kharg Island, near Jask and in the Gulf of Oman. It also said one vessel was ordered abandoned before it was struck. CENTCOM said, "We will not hesitate to defend American forces."
Reuters reported the incident from CENTCOM's statement, while AP said Iranian outlets described a strike near Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, and said crews evacuated from at least some vessels.
A CENTCOM video gallery post also showed strike footage.
By the numbers
- 3 - Iranian crude oil tankers CENTCOM said were struck and disabled.
- 2 - U.S. Navy warships CENTCOM said were targeted by ballistic missile launches.