The US hits three Iranian oil tankers after the IRGC attacks US military ships, according to Central Command

U.S. forces targeted three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command, with one strike occurring off the coast of Kharg Island, close to Iran's vital oil export hub.

The strikes occurred following the launch of ballistic missiles by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at two U.S. Navy ships, according to Central Command.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—taking out three of yours," stated Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command.

Tasnim, the semi-official Iranian news agency, previously reported that four U.S. missiles struck a tanker in the vicinity of Kharg's anchorage. Tasnim reported, citing local sources, that there were no casualties and that the crew of the tanker was being evacuated.

No American personnel were harmed, according to Central Command.

There was no prompt official statement from Iranian authorities.

The exchange of attacks comes after a week of escalating tensions that risks intensifying a conflict that has persisted since the U.S. initiated strikes on Iran in February, disrupting global energy supplies and facing opposition from a majority of Americans ahead of the congressional elections in November.

Trump's threats regarding Kharg Island

On August 31, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a brief social media post, alongside an AI-generated video, that Kharg Island was being "blown to smithereens. Iranian authorities have promised a robust reaction should Kharg come under attack.

Iran ranks as the third-largest producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and, prior to the war, exported 90% of its crude through Kharg Island. However, since mid-April, a U.S. blockade on Iranian oil exports has interrupted these flows.

On June 11, Trump expressed his desire to take control of Kharg Island; however, he later indicated that a potential U.S. military operation in that area was not currently being considered. This statement came just days before Tehran and Washington reached an interim agreement intended to conclude the conflict on June 17.

A U.S. attack on Kharg would intensify the strain on Iran's oil industry and its broader economy, which is already struggling due to the U.S. naval blockade.

The U.S. enacted a blockade on Iranian ports following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that previously facilitated the transport of one-fifth of the world's oil supply before the war.

Brent crude futures reached their highest closing price since July 24 on Friday, settling at $96.28 a barrel, amid rising tensions in the Middle East that are fueling global supply concerns.