US forces claim hits on three Iranian crude carriers after naval attacks

U.S. Central Command announced on Saturday that American forces engaged three Iranian crude‑oil tankers, inflicting damage after a series of attacks on U.S. warships earlier in the week. The statement, released by the Pentagon, said the strikes were carried out by naval aircraft operating from the Arabian Sea and were aimed at preventing further aggression against U.S. vessels.

According to Al Jazeera, the preceding incidents involved missile and drone attacks on two U.S. destroyers transiting the Gulf of Oman, prompting a rapid escalation in the area. While the exact origin of the projectiles remains disputed, U.S. officials linked them to Iranian-backed militia groups operating from Iranian territory.

The Pentagon’s brief noted that the three tankers – identified as commercial vessels under Iranian flag – were targeted to deter the use of civilian shipping as a lever in the broader confrontation. No casualties were reported, and the tankers’ crews were instructed to abandon ship as a safety precaution.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have surged since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2025, with both sides accusing each other of destabilising the strategic waterways that funnel a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The Gulf of Oman, a narrow choke point connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has repeatedly become a flashpoint, as Iran has threatened to disrupt oil flows in retaliation for sanctions and perceived U.S. aggression.

International observers warn that the latest exchange could further jeopardise global oil markets, which already face volatility from supply chain disruptions. The United Nations has called for restraint, urging both nations to avoid actions that could endanger civilian maritime traffic. Analysts note that while the U.S. aims to demonstrate resolve, any escalation risks drawing regional allies into a broader conflict.

The incident underscores the fragile security environment surrounding the world’s most important energy arteries. As both sides continue to calibrate their responses, the fate of the targeted tankers and the safety of commercial shipping in the region remain uncertain.