World News

US military strikes three Iranian oil tankers after warships targeted

CENTCOM says naval ships evaded Iranian missiles before disabling two tankers and destroying another.

Updated Sep 5, 2026 · 15:19 UTC5 reports

The short version

U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers, permanently disabling two and destroying a third, according to U.S. Central Command.[CNBC · BBC News · ABC News · NBC News]
The strikes followed unprovoked ballistic missile launches targeting an American aircraft carrier and destroyer, which evaded the incoming fire without casualties.[CNBC · BBC News · ABC News]
Iranian state media reported strikes on a tanker near Kharg Island with no casualties, while Tehran did not immediately acknowledge targeting U.S. vessels.[CNBC · BBC News · NBC News · NPR]
CENTCOM leadership warned that the military will destroy Iran's oil fleet if further attacks on American forces continue.[BBC News]

The U.S. military reported striking three Iranian oil tankers after ballistic missiles targeted two U.S. Navy warships in the region.[CNBC · BBC News · ABC News]
U.S. Central Command reported that an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple attacks without American casualties.[BBC News · ABC News]
CENTCOM stated it permanently disabled two crude oil carriers off Kharg Island and near Jask, while destroying a third unladen vessel in the Gulf of Oman.[ABC News · NBC News]
The U.S. military alleged the tankers belonged to a shadow network funding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies.[BBC News · ABC News]
Iranian media reported that four U.S. missiles struck a tanker near Kharg Island, with the crew evacuated and no casualties reported.[NBC News · NPR]

Tehran did not immediately acknowledge targeting U.S. Navy warships prior to the tanker strikes.[CNBC · BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.