U.S. Central Command announced that American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers following a missile attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on two U.S. Navy warships patrolling the region. The strikes disabled one tanker near Kharg Island, another near Jask, and a third in the Gulf of Oman. No U.S. personnel were harmed during the missile barrage, as the U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded the attacks.

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated that the U.S. response aims to send a clear message to Iran that attacks on American ships will result in significant economic consequences, specifically targeting Iran’s oil fleet. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this stance on social media, warning that U.S. forces would continue to destroy Iranian oil tankers if attacks persist. Iran has yet to comment publicly on the U.S. retaliatory strikes.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf, where Iran is a major oil producer, historically exporting about 90% of its crude through Kharg Island before disruptions caused by a U.S. blockade that began in mid-April. The conflict has severely restricted traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. In June, President Donald Trump threatened to seize Kharg Island, escalating economic and military pressure on Iran.

These developments follow recent U.S. sanctions on the Turkish investment bank Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi and its subsidiaries, accused of channeling funds to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The sanctions, part of the "Operation Economic Outcast," aim to further isolate Tehran financially by targeting entities that facilitate revenue flows for Iran’s military network. The coordinated military and financial actions reflect a broader U.S. strategy to counter Iran’s regional influence and limit its oil export capabilities.