US Retaliates After Missile Attacks on Warships
US Central Command reported that on Saturday, American forces struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against two US Navy vessels. An aircraft carrier and a guided missile destroyer successfully evaded the attacks, and no American personnel were injured, according to CENTCOM.[S1][S2][S3]
According to CENTCOM, two oil tankers, the M/T Downy near Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 close to Jask, were put out of action permanently, and a third ship, the M/T Kylo, was sunk in the Gulf of Oman. At the time of the attack, the Kylo had no oil aboard, and its crew was told to leave the vessel before it was hit.[S1]
Kharg Island: A Strategic Flashpoint
Kharg Island, located about 15 miles off Iran's coast in the Persian Gulf, is a vital hub for Iran's oil exports, handling 90 percent of its crude before the war. The island also hosts military installations, including air defenses and underground mines, making it a recurring target in the conflict.[S1][S2]
US forces had previously struck military targets on Kharg Island in March but deliberately avoided its oil infrastructure. President Donald Trump had warned that energy facilities could be targeted if Iran continued to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In August, Trump posted an AI-generated video claiming the island was being 'blown to smithereens'.[S1][S2]
Wider Conflict and Economic Impact
The strikes come amid an escalation that began nearly a week ago, following a period of relative calm. A 60-day ceasefire between the US and Iran expired last month, and Trump has threatened tougher economic measures against Iran and its partners. The conflict has disrupted global energy supplies, with Brent crude futures closing at $96.28 a barrel on Friday, their highest level since July 24.[S2][S3]
Iranian state media reported that a tanker near Kharg was hit by US missiles, with no casualties reported and the crew being evacuated. Tehran has not acknowledged attacks on US ships. The ongoing war has drawn opposition from a majority of Americans ahead of November's congressional elections, as the cost of the conflict affects consumers.[S1][S2][S3]
