US Iran Tankers Attack: Details of the 5 Ships Destroyed
Impact of US Iran Tankers Attack on Oil Prices
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The US Iran tankers attack escalated on 9 September 2026 as the United States military struck and destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island.GULF OF OMAN / KHARG ISLAND — The US-Iran conflict entered a dangerous new phase on Tuesday night as the United States military struck and destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, US Central Command confirmed on Wednesday.This US Iran tankers attack marks the biggest escalation in 6 months.
Experts say the US Iran tankers attack will push oil prices higher.
US Iran tankers attack 5 Iranian oil tankers destroyed near Kharg Island September 2026
According to a CENTCOM statement, the strikes came in retaliation after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attempted to target a US warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. CENTCOM said the warship “successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks” and no American personnel were harmed.The destroyed vessels were identified as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and M/T Derya near Kharg Island. US officials stated that American forces directed the crews to abandon ship before the vessels were struck and rendered inoperable.The escalation comes six months into the US and Israel’s war on Iran. Tehran continues to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington is enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.Iran Responds.This US Iran tankers attack marks the biggest escalation in 6 months.
Experts say the US Iran tankers attack will push oil prices higher.
Iran responded to Tuesday’s attacks by firing missiles at US forces stationed at the Al Azraq base in Jordan. Tehran also claimed additional strikes on two US vessels and eight tankers in the region, saying the assaults caused “great damage”.Oil Market Impact
The hostilities immediately impacted global energy markets. Oil prices surged to $99.49 a barrel in early trading on Wednesday, as traders braced for prolonged disruption in the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG. With both sides now targeting commercial vessels, shipping companies are facing unprecedented risks in the region.
Background of Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint for six months since the US and Israel began operations against Iran. Tehran closed the strait to commercial traffic in March, while Washington responded with a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The waterway carries 20% of global oil.Impact on Shipping
Shipping companies are now rerouting vessels away from Iranian waters. Insurance rates for tankers in the Gulf have tripled. Crews are reporting heightened anxiety as both US and Iranian forces warn ships in the region. The attack on M/T Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco and Derya shows no vessel is safe.What Happens Next
Analysts expect oil to cross $100 if the US Iran tankers attack leads to further retaliation. Iran has vowed to continue closing the Strait of Hormuz. The UN Security Council is expected to meet this week to discuss de-escalation.This US Iran tankers attack marks the biggest escalation in 6 months.For official statement, see the US Central Command press release on the US Iran tankers attack.
Experts say the US Iran tankers attack will push oil prices higher.
Crew Safety Concerns
Maritime crews are reporting extreme anxiety following the US Iran tankers attack. With both US and Iranian forces targeting vessels, sailors are caught in the middle. Many shipping companies are now refusing to enter Iranian waters due to the high risk of being mistaken for a military target.According to the official US Central Command statement, the strikes were in retaliation for Iranian missile attempts.
For live oil prices, check Reuters Commodities Market.
Global Market Reaction
The US Iran tankers attack pushed Brent crude to $99.49 per barrel. Energy analysts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, prices could exceed $120. This would impact fuel costs worldwide and increase inflation pressure ahead of US midterm elections.
Read more: Previous coverage on Strait of Hormuz Closure
This is a developing story. Straitofharmuz.co will provide updates as more information becomes available.