US Destroys Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Attack on Two Warships
On September 5, 2026, the United States launched a military strike that destroyed three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf, in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack on two of its Navy warships. The incident escalated tensions between the two nations, raising fears of broader regional conflict.
Where Sources Diverge
The exact number of tankers struck and the specific location of the attacks are not consistently detailed across all sources.
US Destroys Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Attack on Two Warships
US military says three Iranian tankers struck in Gulf
US Central Command says the attacks came after Iran launched ballistic missiles at two of its Navy warships.
Timelines
Sources
The US says it hit three Iranian oil tankers, while Iran says it targeted three US-linked ships.
US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted with missiles Press Trust of India
Watch: U.S. Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers After Missiles Fired at American Ships WSJ
US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted with missiles Chicago Tribune
US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted with missiles Arab News
US Central Command says the attacks came after Iran launched ballistic missiles at two of its Navy warships.
US Central Command says the attacks came after Iran launched ballistic missiles at two of its Navy warships.
US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted with missiles AP News
The U.S. military says it has struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with missiles
US military says three Iranian tankers struck in Gulf cnn.com
US military says three Iranian tankers struck in Gulf CNN