ASEANNETWORKNEWS| The U.S. military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on September 8, 2026, following two attempted ballistic missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against a U.S. Navy warship over two days.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the American warship successfully evaded the attacks and continued operating in regional waters. No U.S. personnel were reported injured.
CENTCOM said the five Iranian crude oil carriers were targeted in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub.
The vessels identified by the U.S. military were M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco and M/T Derya. Four of the tankers were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while the Derya was targeted near Kharg Island.
The U.S. military said the crews were ordered to abandon the vessels before the strikes. CENTCOM described the tankers as being linked to a network allegedly used to finance Iran’s IRGC and its regional proxies.
Iranian state-linked media confirmed that tankers had been attacked near Kharg Island and the southern port of Jask. Iran’s IRGC also said several Iranian commercial vessels had been hit.
Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles toward U.S. forces stationed at Al Azraq air base in Jordan, according to Iranian state media.
Jordan's armed forces said its air-defense systems intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles launched toward its territory. The remaining two missiles fell in unpopulated areas, and no casualties were reported.
Iranian officials had previously warned that attacks on Iranian oil tankers would trigger retaliation against U.S. military installations in the region.
The exchange represents another escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments.
The latest attacks also contributed to higher oil prices, with Brent crude briefly approaching US$100 per barrel amid concerns over disruptions to energy supplies and commercial shipping in the region.
The U.S. military had also reported destroying three Iranian crude oil carriers on September 5 after alleged Iranian attempts to attack a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer.
The latest U.S.-Iran exchange has increased concerns over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the potential impact on global energy markets. Both sides have continued to issue warnings and carry out retaliatory actions, while the broader military confrontation remains ongoing.
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