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US Threatens Iran’s Tanker Fleet After Warship Missile Attack
The United States says Iranian forces fired missiles at American warships.
After that, US Central Command disabled three Iranian oil tankers.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that more tankers could be attacked if Iran shoots at US Navy ships again.
He said Iran’s tankers are vulnerable at sea.
Iran rejected the US action and called it a war crime.
Iran also said the strikes violated the United Nations Charter.
The disagreement could increase tensions in important sea routes.
Both countries are warning that further military action could lead to more escalation.
Pete Hegseth warned that the United States could destroy Iran’s oil tanker fleet if Iranian forces fire on US military vessels.
US Central Command reportedly disabled three Iranian-linked tankers after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces fired ballistic missiles at US warships.
The targeted vessels were identified as the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and the empty M/T Kylo.
Hegseth said Iran’s commercial and energy assets lacked effective naval or air protection against US forces.
Iran condemned the strikes as a war crime and alleged they violated Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
- Who
- US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, US Central Command, Iranian forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- What
- The United States disabled three Iranian-linked oil tankers and warned it could destroy Iran’s tanker fleet after reported missile attacks on US warships.
- Where
- The reported incidents took place in regional waters, including near Kharg Island and Jask.
- When
- September 6, 2026, with the strikes and warning occurring before the article was published.
- Why
- The United States said the strikes followed ballistic-missile fire at US naval vessels; Iran condemned the action as unlawful and warned of accountability for further escalation.
United States Position
Iranian Position
Justification for the strikes
United States Position
The United States said the operation followed ballistic-missile attacks by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces on US naval vessels.
Iranian Position
Iran condemned the destruction of the tankers and characterized the US action as a war crime.
Future military action
United States Position
Pete Hegseth warned that Iran’s tanker fleet could be systematically targeted if Iranian forces fire on US military vessels again.
Iranian Position
Iran warned that Washington and its regional allies would be held accountable for further military escalation.
Legality of the operation
United States Position
The United States presented the strikes as a response to attacks on its warships and as action against vessels allegedly linked to a clandestine financial network.
Iranian Position
Iran said the strikes violated Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
Key facts
- US warning
- Pete Hegseth said Iran’s oil tankers could be targeted, destroyed, and sunk if Iranian forces fire on US military vessels.
- Reported trigger
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces reportedly fired ballistic missiles at an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.
- Disabled vessels
- The M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and empty M/T Kylo were reportedly disabled.
- US agency
- US Central Command carried out the reported operation.
- Iranian response
- Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the strikes a war crime.
- Legal objection
- Iran said the action violated Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
- Stated vulnerability
- Hegseth said Iran’s commercial and energy assets lacked effective naval or air protection.
Quotes
Pete Hegseth
United States Secretary of War who issued the warning to Tehran
“All they have to do is not shoot at [the] US Navy”
news18.com
Sources
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