Washington: US Defense Secretary Pete Higgseth issued a stern warning to Iran, declaring that any aggression against US ships would result in the destruction of Iranian oil tankers. This statement comes in the wake of heightened tensions following recent military engagements in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the situation escalated after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported airstrikes on three Iranian crude oil tankers on September 5. The airstrikes were launched in response to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard firing ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships operating in international waters. The US Secretary of Defense emphasized the vulnerability of the Iranian oil tanker fleet, highlighting that Tehran lacks the necessary naval or air capabilities to adequately protect its assets.

Tehran, through Iranian television, conceded that US forces had indeed targeted three of its oil tankers in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The broadcast specified that one of the targeted tankers was not carrying any oil at the time of the strike.

CENTCOM further reported that a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer were instrumental in fending off multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. Fortunately, no US personnel sustained injuries during these confrontations. A subsequent CENTCOM statement revealed that in the aftermath of the failed Iranian offensives, US forces permanently incapacitated two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps oil tankers. The Dawnee was disabled off the coast of Kharg Island, while the Stark 1 was neutralized near Jask.