The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) revealed on Saturday that six vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas of the Persian Gulf were targeted in direct response to U.S. forces destroying three Iranian oil tankers on the same day, as reported by Europa Press.
An official IRGC statement specified that their Navy attacked three tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, as well as three ships linked to what they described as the "U.S. child killer" in other locations.
The IRGC concluded their statement with a stern warning: "If hostile and aggressive actions persist, the U.S. regime should brace for decisive responses from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
In another announcement, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Air Force disclosed that they launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. aircraft carrier and a frigate, accusing them of "harassing Iranian vessels and engaging in a maritime blockade," claiming that both ships sustained damage and were forced to leave the area.
However, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that an aircraft carrier and a guided missile destroyer successfully evaded the Iranian missiles, with no U.S. personnel harmed in the incident.
Prior to Iran's response, the U.S. had struck the IRGC's oil fleet, destroying three vessels: the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and M/T Kylo, which were described as part of a covert multimillion-dollar network funding the IRGC and its regional allies.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, issued a clear warning: "If you strike two of our vessels, we will impose an even greater economic cost by destroying three of yours. We will not hesitate to defend U.S. forces and, if necessary, dismantle Iran's limited and vulnerable oil fleet."
IRGC Navy spokesperson Ali Mohammadi retaliated by asserting that "U.S. attacks have not posed the slightest threat to the dominance of the Revolutionary Guard Navy and control of this region," revealing that in the ten days prior, they had "punished" and "fined" between two and five ships each night.
The IRGC also issued a direct warning to all commercial shipping in the area: "Do not be deceived by the U.S. terrorist army and avoid any suspicious moves through unauthorized routes, or you will be attacked."
This incident occurred just five days after U.S. forces targeted IRGC rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, destroying two launchers in the first military action in about a month, after which the IRGC vowed retaliation.
The conflict has been ongoing since February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, destroying over 5,000 Iranian targets. A ceasefire negotiated in June collapsed between July 6 and 7 when Iran resumed attacks on commercial ships, and the 60-day memorandum deadline expired on August 17 without a definitive agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic choke point through which 20% to 25% of the world’s crude oil passes, remains at the heart of this confrontation.
The U.S. Maritime Advisory indicated that the risk to commerce in the Persian Gulf, the Strait, and the Gulf of Oman remains high at least until September 9.
Key Questions about the Hormuz Conflict
What prompted the recent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz?
The recent escalation was triggered by the U.S. forces' destruction of three Iranian oil tankers, prompting Iran to retaliate by targeting six U.S. vessels.
How did the U.S. respond to Iran's missile attack?
The U.S. Central Command confirmed that its aircraft carrier and guided missile destroyer successfully evaded the Iranian missiles, with no injuries reported.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important?
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial because it serves as a transit route for 20% to 25% of the world’s crude oil, making it a strategic point in global oil supply.