US Strikes 5 Iranian Oil Tankers Near Kharg Island After Iran Targets Navy Ship

The United States has destroyed five Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf after Iranian forces launched ballistic missile attacks targeting an American Navy warship, marking a major escalation in the continuing conflict between Washington and Tehran, TOI reported.

U.S. Central Command said the latest military action followed what it described as failed Iranian attacks on American naval forces. The strikes came just days after U.S. forces targeted three other Iranian crude carriers in the region. Donald Trump Weighs Ending Iran War as Pentagon Extends Troop Deployment.

US Strikes 5 Iranian Oil Tankers Near Kharg Island

Five Iranian Tankers Targeted

According to U.S. military officials, American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers on Tuesday following missile attacks attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The vessels were identified in reports as the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco and Derya. U.S. officials said the tankers were linked to a network that Washington alleges helps finance the IRGC.

The strikes reportedly took place near Kharg Island, one of Iran's most important oil export hubs in the Persian Gulf. Reports said crews were directed to evacuate before the vessels were struck. Donald Trump Warns US Could Strike Iran’s Deeply Buried ‘Pickaxe Mountain’ Nuclear Facility.

Iran Responds With Further Threats

Following the U.S. strikes, tensions continued to rise as Iran reportedly launched missiles towards U.S.-linked targets in Jordan. Air defence systems intercepted the attacks, with no casualties immediately reported. Iran also issued threats against oil shipping in the Gulf, including vessels connected to Kuwait and Bahrain, while announcing plans for a maritime exclusion zone around the Strait of Hormuz.

Latest Strike Follows Earlier Tanker Attacks

The latest action came after U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on September 5 following missile attacks targeting an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.

U.S. Central Command said at the time that Iranian missiles failed to hit the Navy vessels and no American personnel were injured. Two Iranian crude carriers were permanently disabled, while a third was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. The new operation brings the number of Iranian tankers targeted by U.S. forces in the latest round of hostilities to eight.

Concerns Over Oil Supply and Strait of Hormuz

The escalation has raised fresh concerns over energy supplies and maritime security in the Middle East. Kharg Island is a key hub for Iranian crude exports, while the nearby Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes for oil and liquefied natural gas.

The conflict and growing threats to shipping have pushed oil prices higher, with crude approaching $100 per barrel in recent trading. Continued disruption in the Gulf could further affect global energy markets and shipping routes.

US-Iran Tensions Continue to Escalate

The latest exchange reflects a continuing cycle of military retaliation between the United States and Iran, with both sides increasing pressure through military operations and threats against shipping. Washington has combined military action with additional economic sanctions targeting Iran, while Tehran has warned of further retaliation against U.S. interests and vessels operating in the region.

With attacks involving warships, oil tankers and military installations continuing across the region, concerns are growing that further escalation could pose a wider threat to Gulf security and global energy supplies.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 07:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).