Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Iran Claims Retaliatory Strikes After US Destroys Three Tankers
Iran said its Revolutionary Guard attacked six vessels after the United States struck three Iranian oil tankers.
Iran said three of the targeted vessels were using an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz.
It said the other three were connected to the United States and were in other areas.
The United States said it had disabled or destroyed three Iranian tankers.
US officials said the tankers were linked to a network that allegedly helped fund Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
The United States also said Iran had tried to attack two US Navy ships with ballistic missiles.
Iran called the US strikes illegal and part of a naval blockade.
Both sides warned that more military action could follow.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for oil shipments.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted six vessels after the United States struck three Iranian oil tankers.
The IRGC said three tankers used an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz and three other vessels were affiliated with the United States.
US Central Command said it permanently disabled the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1 and destroyed the empty M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen.
Washington said the tankers were linked to a multibillion-dollar network allegedly funding the IRGC and its regional allies.
Iran condemned the strikes as illegal and warned that attacks on US military vessels could intensify and expand.
- Who
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Iran’s Foreign Ministry, and the United States, including United States Central Command, are involved.
- What
- The United States said it disabled or destroyed three Iranian oil tankers; the IRGC claimed retaliatory attacks on six vessels.
- When
- The exchanges were reported on Saturday; CENTCOM said its strikes occurred on September 5.
- Where
- The incidents involved the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, waters near Kharg Island and Jask, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman.
- Why
- Iran said it was responding to US strikes, a naval blockade, and restrictions on Iranian shipping. The United States said its strikes followed attempted Iranian missile attacks on US naval vessels and targeted an alleged IRGC funding network.
Iran’s Account
United States’ Account
Cause of the confrontation
Iran’s Account
Iran said the United States attacked Iranian commercial oil tankers as part of aggression, a naval blockade, and an effort to restrict or close the Strait of Hormuz.
United States’ Account
The United States said it struck the tankers after Iran allegedly launched or attempted ballistic-missile attacks against US naval vessels.
Status and purpose of the tankers
Iran’s Account
Iran described the targeted ships as Iranian commercial vessels and called the US strikes illegal and irresponsible.
United States’ Account
CENTCOM said the three crude-oil carriers were linked to the IRGC and a multibillion-dollar shadow network allegedly funding the IRGC and its regional allies.
Retaliation and escalation
Iran’s Account
The IRGC said it targeted six vessels and warned ships to avoid unauthorized waterways. Iranian officials warned that attacks on US military vessels could become more severe and expand.
United States’ Account
Admiral Brad Cooper said the United States imposed a higher economic cost after attacks on two American ships, while CENTCOM said no US personnel were harmed.
- Iranian force
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy
- US force
- United States Central Command
- US-named tankers
- M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen
- Reported US actions
- CENTCOM said Downy and Stark 1 were permanently disabled and Kylo was destroyed after its crew abandoned the empty vessel.
- Reported Iranian targets
- Three oil tankers using what Iran called an unauthorized Strait of Hormuz route and three vessels Iran described as affiliated with the United States elsewhere in the region.
- US justification
- CENTCOM said the strikes followed attempted ballistic-missile attacks on two US Navy warships and targeted a network allegedly funding the IRGC and its regional allies.
- Iranian response
- Iran condemned the strikes as illegal, irresponsible, and a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and warned of stronger attacks on US military vessels.
Sources
Iran’s IRGC hits 3 oilers in Strait of Hormuz, 3 US vessels elsewhere in retaliatory strikes
Iran Attacks Six Ships In Strait Of Hormuz After US Hits Oil Tankers, IRGC Issues Stark Warning
IRGC Navy Claims Retaliatory Strike On 3 Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz After US Attack On 3 Iranian Tankers
Iran retaliates after US destroys three tankers, warns of wider attacks
