A Costly Answer to Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in regional waters.

A U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks; CENTCOM reported no American personnel were injured.

Following the failed missile attacks, U.S. forces permanently disabled the IRGC-linked crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask.

CENTCOM said American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM reports the vessel was struck at multiple critical locations after its crew was directed to abandon ship, rendering the tanker inoperable.

The three Iranian crude oil tankers were described by CENTCOM as part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that provides funding to the IRGC and its regional proxies.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the strikes were intended to demonstrate that attacks on U.S. forces would result in significant economic consequences.

“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,” Cooper said.

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