BREAKING: U.S. Strikes Three Oil Tankers In Iran’s ‘Shadow Network’ After Ballistic Missiles Aimed at Navy Warships

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U.S. Central Command announced it struck three Iranian tankers Saturday after Iran attempted — and failed — to attack two Navy warships.
Dramatic video of the strikes accompanied the announcement. No U.S. personnel were harmed, according to reports.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 5, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.
A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed.
Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship.
The three Iranian crude oil tankers are part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Iran has no means by which to defend them.
“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,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
The conflict in Iran has dragged on for more than six months.
Audio obtained by Iran International purported to reveal the Unite States warning one of tankers of incoming strikes.
In a clip posted to X by the outlet, a voice can be heard over what appears to be a ship’s radio as the camera is pointed to the vessel’s control board.
“Motor Tanker STARK 1, this is the United States military aircraft. I am preparing to fire at your stern. You have 3 minutes to clear the crew from the stern of your ship. Over.”
Iran International claimed crew members who can be heard in the background speaking in Persian and Urdu discuss the warning while one notes the ship’s captain was still asleep at the time.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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