US CENTCOM says it struck three Iran oil tankers after IRGC attacks on Navy ships | World News - Hindustan Times

**U.S. Central Command Confirms Strikes on Three Iranian Oil Tankers**

Washington — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that U.S. naval forces carried out precision strikes against three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The action was taken in direct response to a series of missile attacks launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against U.S. Navy vessels, including an aircraft carrier and a destroyer, earlier in the day. According to the CENTCOM statement, the tankers—identified as *Maran*, *Mahan*, and *Kaveh*—were carrying crude oil and were “engaged in activities that supported hostile actions against U.S. forces.” The strikes were executed by surface warships and aircraft, with no reported casualties among the crews of the Iranian vessels.

The Iranian government swiftly condemned the U.S. attacks, labeling them “unprovoked aggression” and vowing retaliation. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry issued a press release accusing Washington of violating international law and escalating regional tensions. Meanwhile, the IRGC reiterated its claim that the missile launches were a defensive response to what it described as “U.S. provocations” in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The exchange marks the most serious direct confrontation between the two powers in the maritime domain since the 2019 tanker incident in the Gulf of Oman.

International observers expressed concern over the rapid escalation. The United Nations’ Secretary‑General called for restraint from all parties, urging both Washington and Tehran to engage in diplomatic channels to de‑escalate the situation. The European Union’s foreign policy chief warned that any further military actions could threaten the security of global energy markets, which already face volatility due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. Analysts note that the strikes could prompt a reassessment of naval deployments in the region and may influence future negotiations on maritime security and sanctions.