United States military forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at U.S. warships twice in recent days, according to a statement released by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. The strikes mark the second time in under a week that Washington has targeted Iranian tankers in response to attacks on American military vessels.
CENTCOM Details Strikes Following Ballistic Missile Attacks
According to CENTCOM, American forces ordered crews to abandon their vessels before the tankers were struck and rendered inoperable. The military action came in response to what CENTCOM described as failed Iranian attacks. The IRGC targeted U.S. Navy warships with ballistic missiles twice over a two-day period, though the targeted vessels successfully evaded the incoming fire and maintained their patrol routes in the region, per CENTCOM’s statements.
Earlier operations on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, saw U.S. forces destroy three Iranian crude oil tankers after an attempted strike against a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer, according to CENTCOM reports. “All attempts by the IRGC against U.S. Navy warships have failed,” the military command stated.
Iranian Threats Against Gulf Allies and Washington’s Response
In the wake of the maritime clashes, Iranian officials issued direct warnings to neighboring states. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Ali Abdollahi warned that Tehran would strike U.S. bases in the region if Iranian oil tankers continued to face attacks, as reported by Agence France-Presse. Despite the warning, U.S. officials indicated that military operations against the tankers will persist.
“Iran terus mencoba menyerang kapal-kapal angkatan laut AS, dan setiap kali mereka melakukan atau mencoba melakukan hal itu, mereka akan kehilangan kapal tanker,” ujar Menteri Luar Negeri AS Marco Rubio kepada para wartawan saat kunjungan ke Kolombia, confirming that U.S. counter-attacks will continue whenever naval assets are targeted.
IRGC Targets Tankers Near Kuwait and Bahrain
Following the U.S. actions on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, the IRGC announced plans to target oil tankers anchored or docked off the coast of Kuwait and Bahrain, key U.S. allies in the Gulf. State news agency IRNA published an official statement from the IRGC warning all oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports to leave immediately, stating they would be treated as operational targets.
Did you know? Tensions in the region have regularly impacted maritime routes near the Persian Gulf, where vital energy corridors intersect with active naval patrols from both U.S. and regional forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did U.S. forces destroy the Iranian oil tankers?
According to CENTCOM, the U.S. military destroyed the tankers in response to repeated ballistic missile attacks launched by the IRGC against U.S. Navy warships in the region.
What locations did Iran threaten in retaliation?
The IRGC issued warnings directed at oil tankers operating in or near the ports of U.S. allies Kuwait and Bahrain, designating them as potential targets.
Have U.S. warships sustained damage during these incidents?
CENTCOM reported that the targeted U.S. warships successfully avoided the Iranian missile strikes and continued their routine patrols without operational disruption.
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