Washington Sinks Iranian Oil Tanker, Vows Broader Response

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday it sank the oil tanker "M/T Kilo" in the Gulf of Oman, part of an assault on three tankers linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. This escalation follows Tehran's vow of retaliation, which included targeting three tankers and three ships associated with the United States. CENTCOM affirmed via "X" that the "Kilo" tanker "settled today at the bottom of the Gulf of Oman" due to "precision and professionalism." Its sinking occurred after vital areas were targeted, leading to complete disablement and crew evacuation orders. This strike exchange reignites military escalation after a month of calm, coinciding with Washington's increased economic pressure on Tehran and stalled diplomacy. CENTCOM detailed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. warships. After these failed attacks, U.S. forces permanently disabled oil tankers "Dauni" off Kharg Island and "Stark 1" near Jask, also destroying the empty "Kilo" in the Gulf of Oman. The Command released video showing flames from hit ships. It described the three tankers as part of a "multi-billion dollar shadow network funding the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its proxies." CENTCOM reported no U.S. personnel injured, as an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer evaded the attacks. U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned: "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will inflict a greater economic cost on you by destroying three of your ships." Cooper emphasized that U.S. forces "will not hesitate" to defend themselves and destroy Iran's "limited and exposed oil fleet," if necessary.