Pentagon threatens to sink tankers after US-Iran ship strikes escalate
Photo: Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
On Saturday, American forces stated that they struck three oil tankers after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles at two US warships, according to CNN.
CNN notes that earlier this week, the parties exchanged strikes for the first time in more than a month, and the new attacks threaten a new wave of retaliatory measures.
“A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks," stated US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In response, American forces permanently disabled the IRGC tankers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Yasak.
According to CENTCOM, outside the Persian Gulf, the unloaded crude oil tanker M/T Kylo was completely destroyed after multiple hits rendered it inoperable.
Central Command added that the ships are part of a multi-billion-dollar shadow network that funds 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," stated Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
Later, Pentagon head Pete Hegseth responded to the situation, stating that the US could strike the Iranian oil tanker fleet both in the Middle East and in the Indo-Pacific region.
"It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is stop shooting at @USNavy... Iran’s oil tanker fleet is defenseless — Iran has no navy or air force," he said.
What else is important to know
This week, on September 4, global oil prices showed their largest weekly increase since July. The reason was the new escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated that global markets' dependence on the Strait of Hormuz could decrease thanks to new oil supply routes through the Middle East.
