US Central Command confirmed that its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers in the Middle East on Tuesday.

The action was described as retaliatory strikes after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted an American Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over a 48-hour period.

According to CENTCOM, the targeted American warship successfully evaded both missile strikes and suffered no personnel injuries or operational damage. The vessel remained on active patrol in regional waters.

CENTCOM stated that in response to the attempted attacks, US forces conducted coordinated strikes against five vessels belonging to Iran’s state-linked maritime fleet. Four crude oil carriers, the M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, and M/T Riesco, were destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. A fifth vessel, the M/T Derya, was hit near Kharg Island.

American forces issued direct instructions commanding the crews of all five vessels to evacuate prior to the strikes. CENTCOM emphasised that the targeted fleet operates as a primary financial mechanism for Tehran’s security apparatus, identifying the vessels as part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.

The command noted that Iran has no means by which to defend these vessels. Tuesday’s action marked the second major operation against Iranian maritime infrastructure within three days. On September 5, CENTCOM forces destroyed three Iranian crude oil carriers after the IRGC attempted to attack a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer. CENTCOM stressed that all IRGC attempts against US Navy warships have failed.

On the other hand, Iran’s IRGC launched ballistic missile strikes against a US military airbase in Jordan and two American Navy destroyers, according to state media reports. The IRGC said the military operation, codenamed “Ya Haidar Karrar”, was launched to avenge recent US attacks on Iranian oil tankers.

The IRGC confirmed that its forces targeted the US-operated Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan using liquid- and solid-fuel ballistic missiles. The strikes reportedly hit aircraft hangars and shelters housing F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets.

The IRGC also claimed that its forces attacked the DDG-119 and DDG-53 combat destroyers carrying cruise and Aegis missiles with powerful ballistic missiles. According to its statement, significant damage was caused to these vessels.

The IRGC added that its military operations will continue until all US attacks against Iranian shipping cease. It warned Washington against any further actions in regional waters, declaring its firm determination to respond to what it described as desperate actions of the US regime.

Regional air defences were activated across neighbouring countries as the missiles crossed regional airspace. Jordanian air defence units intercepted at least eight Iranian missiles over Amman and other cities.

Al Jazeera reported that multiple types of missiles were spotted near the Jordanian-Syrian border. Syrian state television confirmed that Syria intercepted incoming Iranian missiles over the border city of Irbid.

Earlier in the day, Iran’s IRGC Navy claimed that its forces had captured a US unmanned submersible at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz during a complex intelligence and operational operation. According to IRIB, the IRGC Navy said the submersible was equipped with the latest underwater technology and had been delivered to the US fleet in 2025.

ANI