US says it destroyed three IRGC-linked oil tankers after Iranian attacks

The United States military says it has destroyed three oil tankers allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, describing the strikes as retaliation for attacks on US naval forces.

US Central Command, CENTCOM, said American forces targeted the vessels following what it described as failed Iranian attacks against US warships.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the crude oil tanker, M/T Downy, was disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 was struck near Jask.

The command also said US forces destroyed the M/T Kylo, an unladen crude oil carrier operating in the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, the Kylo was hit at several critical points after its crew was ordered to abandon the vessel. The strikes were intended to leave the ship permanently inoperable, the US military stated.