Iran Hits US Warships With Ballistic Missiles, US Strikes 3 Iranian Oil Tankers in Response

Tensions in the Middle East reached a fresh flashpoint on Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting two United States Navy warships operating in regional waters. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the incoming salvo, with no casualties or damage reported on US vessels. Tehran claimed its Aerospace Force targeted the warships in response to hostile actions against Iranian shipping, while Washington condemned the strikes as unprovoked and immediately executed retaliatory counter-strikes.

Conflicting Claims Over Gulf Missile Engagement

Statements from Tehran and Washington presented starkly different accounts of the missile engagement. Iranian state media cited the IRGC as claiming that both the US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer sustained physical damage and were forced to withdraw from the engagement zone. The IRGC stated the operation was conducted to counter harassment of Iranian ships and enforce maritime security. IRGC Says Several Ballistic Missiles Fired at US Aircraft Carrier, Destroyer Harassing Iranian Ships.

Conversely, US military officials explicitly refuted claims of ship damage. CENTCOM confirmed that its naval vessels detected the incoming ballistic threats in time to maneuver and execute defensive countermeasures, resulting in zero personnel injuries and no ship operational degradation.

US Launches Immediate Retaliatory Strikes on Iranian Tankers

Within hours of the missile attack, the US military launched targeted air and naval strikes against Iran’s energy transport infrastructure. CENTCOM confirmed it permanently disabled or destroyed three crude oil carriers belonging to what it described as a "multibillion-dollar shadow network" funding the IRGC. The operations completely destroyed the empty tanker M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman after ordering its crew to evacuate, while rendering two other vessels—the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1—inoperable off Kharg Island and Jask, respectively.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued a direct warning to Iranian leadership, stating that any military action against American vessels would draw proportional economic costs, specifically targeting Iran's exposed maritime oil fleet. Donald Trump Warns US Could Strike Iran’s Deeply Buried ‘Pickaxe Mountain’ Nuclear Facility.

US Forces Sink M/T Kylo in Gulf of Oman

Thanks to the precision and professionalism of American service members, the M/T Kylo sank in the Gulf of Oman today and joined Iran’s navy at the bottom of the sea. pic.twitter.com/OwSDMl8SSQ

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 6, 2026

Broader Context and Regional Impact

The direct military exchange comes amid a sharp intensification of maritime conflict along critical sea lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz—a bottleneck responsible for roughly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments. Direct kinetic action near the strait has triggered rapid spikes in Brent crude oil prices and forced commercial shipping lines to re-evaluate regional transit routes.

The latest exchanges represent the continuation of broader hostilities that flared up earlier this year following repeated US and allied strikes on IRGC radar installations, mine-laying assets, and air-defense infrastructure along the Iranian coastline. With both nations maintaining a heavy operational footprint in the Gulf, international observers warn that continued disruptions to global energy transit carry high risks of further regional military escalation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 08:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).