A US Navy aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer were targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles while patrolling regional waters on September 5, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched several ballistic missiles toward the two US warships and said no American personnel were harmed in the incident.
The US military did not identify the aircraft carrier or the guided-missile destroyer involved in the confrontation.
Following the missile attacks, CENTCOM forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers that the command said were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network funding the IRGC and its regional proxies.
The M/T Downy was permanently disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 was disabled near Jask, CENTCOM reported. US forces also destroyed the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was directed to abandon ship.
“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost —taking out three of yours,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.
“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also confirmed the attack on the vessels. The IRGC stated the two US Navy warships had been involved in disrupting Iranian shipping and participating in a naval blockade. After the attack, both vessels suffered damage and subsequently withdrew from the area, fearing further attacks.
The IRGC described US Central Command’s reported confirmation of the operation as proof of Iran’s offensive capabilities, local media reported.