US military says it destroyed 3 Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that its forces struck and disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two US Navy warships in regional waters.

In a statement shared on US social media company X, CENTCOM said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks, adding that no American personnel were injured.

According to the statement, US forces permanently disabled the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask. They also destroyed the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the "Noxen," in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship.

CENTCOM said the vessels were part of a "multibillion-dollar shadow network" allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxies.

"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," CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.

"We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet," he added.

Regional tensions have escalated since US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran responding with missile and drone strikes against Israel and US interests across the region.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation has stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements in the strait.