US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Iran that American forces will destroy and sink Iranian oil tankers if Tehran attacks US Navy ships, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate across the region.
It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is not shoot at @USNavy.
Iran’s oil tanker fleet is defenseless — Iran has no navy or air force. Our planes, ships & subs can strike them all, in @CENTCOM & @USPACOM. https://t.co/lr5TaxloBw
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) September 5, 2026
“It’s simple: if Iran shoots at US ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers,” Hegseth said in a post on X, adding that Iran only needs to avoid attacking the US Navy.
The warning followed a US strike on three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said no American personnel were injured.
“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. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.” — Adm. Brad Cooper,… pic.twitter.com/UGGcSGsUtd
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 5, 2026
The targeted vessels included M/T Downy off Kharg Island, M/T Stark 1 near Jask and the unladen M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said the vessels were disabled or destroyed.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned that any further attack on US ships would trigger a stronger response, saying American forces could target Iran’s “limited and exposed oil fleet”.
Iran has threatened to intensify attacks on US military vessels if Washington continues what Tehran calls interference with Iranian shipping. The IRGC also claimed it targeted tankers using unauthorised routes, though Washington did not immediately confirm the claim.
The escalation has raised concerns over oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route. Brent crude settled at $96.28 a barrel on Friday, its highest level since July 24.
