US Central Command (Centcom) has confirmed that it “destroyed” three Iranian oil tankers.

In a statement on X, it claims that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at two American warships, prompting the attack on the three tankers.

“A US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed,” Centcom adds.

“Following Iran’s failed attacks, Centcom permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the ‘Noxen’) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship,” the statement reads.

Centcom claims that the tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar “shadow network” funding the IRGC.

“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,” Centcom chief Admiral Brad Cooper is quoted as saying. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”