US military forces have targeted three Iranian crude oil carriers following an incident in which Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles at two American warships in the region. In response to these attacks, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning, stating that any further assaults on American vessels would result in the complete destruction of Iran’s commercial oil fleet.
The IRGC launched ballistic missiles targeting a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are the world’s most critical maritime routes for global crude oil transportation. Higher crude oil costs directly drive up petrol and diesel prices at local pumps, which subsequently increases transportation expenses for food, groceries, and daily essential goods. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued the warning on social media platform X following the military response, stating that Tehran must cease targeting US warships or face losing its oil shipping assets. “It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. Hegseth emphasised that Iran’s commercial oil fleet remains defenceless against US military assets across both Central Command (@CENTCOM) and Indo-Pacific Command (@USPACOM) areas of operation. “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. Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary oil export hub, making the strike a direct economic blow.
When military conflict threatens oil tankers in these waterways, global crude oil prices spike sharply due to supply fear. Strikes permanently disabled the M/T Downy off Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, while destroying the unladen carrier M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman.
All they have to do is not shoot at @USNavy,” he said. We will not hesitate to defend American forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” he said. American naval forces successfully evaded the incoming missiles, and no US personnel were injured, according to US CENTCOM statements In response, US forces targeted three tankers linked to a shadow network funding the IRGC.
US Central Command Issues Warning to Iran
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, has issued a stern warning to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He emphasized that any future attacks will result in significant economic repercussions. This statement underscores the US’s commitment to addressing threats and maintaining stability in the region.
