Tension in the Gulf: United States destroys Iranian oil tankers after attack attempts
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the destruction of five oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This military action was carried out in response to two attempted ballistic missile attacks directed at a U.S. warship over the last 48 hours. According to official reports, the American crew managed to evade the offensives without recording any injuries.
The neutralized vessels were identified as the ships M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco, and M/T Derya. The attacks were concentrated on strategic points in the Gulf of Oman and near the Iranian island of Kharg. Before proceeding with the destruction of the vessels, U.S. forces ordered the crews to abandon the ships to ensure human safety.
Dismantling of a clandestine financing network
Washington maintains that these tankers were part of an extensive clandestine network used by Iran to trade crude oil illicitly. These resources, according to CENTCOM, are intended to fund the IRGC and its allied groups in the region, forming a multi-billion dollar structure that, in the view of U.S. authorities, lacks the necessary capacity to defend itself against military operations of this magnitude.
This incident adds to a recent escalation of hostilities, recalling a similar operation that occurred on September 5, where three other oil tankers were destroyed following attacks against a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer.
Any attack against Iranian oil tankers will result in the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran attacking U.S. bases in the region.
Ali Abdolahi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Underwater drone controversy and new sanctions
Tension reached the technological sphere when the Revolutionary Guard claimed to have captured an American unmanned underwater vehicle near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran described the device, identified as a Dive-LD, as a piece of advanced intelligence technology. However, the United States Navy dismissed the event, clarifying that it was equipment that suffered a technical failure and did not carry classified information or sensitive equipment.
In parallel to these clashes, the United States Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions against 36 entities and individuals linked to the Iranian aviation sector. The measure seeks to cut off supply channels for the airline Mahan Air, which is accused of transporting weapons, personnel, and illicit cargo through deceptive transshipment routes involving companies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and the United Kingdom.
- Sanctions on 27 airlines linked to the Iranian regime.
- Suspension of overflight permits and commercial operations with U.S.-controlled aircraft.
- Financial blockade on foreign intermediaries facilitating Mahan Air’s logistics.
