Tensions are escalating around the Strait of Hormuz following American strikes against several Iranian oil tankers. As Iran claims operations against vessels linked to the United States, Washington now warns that any new attack on its fleet could trigger an offensive against Iranian oil transport. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned on September 6th that the United States could destroy and sink all Iranian tankers if Tehran continues targeting US Navy vessels. “It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy and sink their oil tankers,” stated the Pentagon chief on the social network X. This threat comes as Washington has already conducted multiple strikes against Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region. Tehran, for its part, claimed responsibility for various operations against military assets and ships connected to the United States, presenting them as a response to American actions. Hegseth believes the Iranian oil fleet is now “defenseless”. According to the Pentagon chief, Iran no longer possesses naval or air forces capable of protecting these ships, and American aircraft, warships, and submarines are equipped to strike all Iranian tankers.
The United States Has Already Struck Several Iranian Tankers
Hegseth’s statements build upon military pressure already exerted against Iranian oil transport. U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, acknowledged targeting three tankers. The vessels Downy and Stark 1 were hit near Kharg Island and close to Jask, respectively. In the Gulf of Oman, the unladen tanker Kylo was reportedly destroyed and sunk, according to the account provided by CENTCOM. During one of these strikes, an Iranian tanker was hit approximately six miles from Kharg Island. No deaths or injuries were reported, and the crew began evacuating the ship. Facing American operations, Tehran asserts it targeted U.S. forces in the region in return. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps specifically claimed responsibility for ballistic missile launches against an American aircraft carrier and destroyer. CENTCOM maintains that no vessels were damaged. However, available information does not allow for independent verification of the exact impact of these strikes.
Tehran Warns of a Stronger Response
Clashes have also extended to several vessels inside the Strait of Hormuz. Following the American attacks on three tankers, Iran claims to have hit six vessels, including three tankers and three ships linked to the United States. Washington’s latest warnings quickly drew an Iranian reaction. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, representative of the Khatam al-Anbiya Iranian military headquarters, warned that upcoming strikes against U.S. vessels could be “stronger than before.” The Iranian official also mentioned a potential expansion of operations if American forces persist in attacking Iranian ships. With Hegseth’s declarations, Washington now openly designates the Iranian oil fleet as a potential target for its armed forces. Tehran, meanwhile, cautions that continued U.S. strikes against its ships will prompt an intensification of its military response in the region.