US and Iran trade fire after IRGC attacks American warships

On September 5, 2026, the United States and Iran engaged in a series of attacks at sea after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at two American warships. In response, US Central Command (Centcom) struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, including the Kylo and Stark I, as well as the Downy near Kharg Island. Centcom stated that the tankers were part of a shadow network that financially supports the IRGC and its regional proxies.

Centcom's chief, Admiral Brad Cooper, declared that if Iran shot at two of their ships, the US would inflict a significant economic cost by destroying three of Iran's oil tankers. The US confirmed that the Kylo sank after the attack, and released video footage showing the vessel listing heavily before sinking. No casualties were reported initially, but the crew was evacuated from the other ships.

Iranian state media reported that four US missiles struck a tanker near Kharg Island's anchorage around 8 am local time on Saturday, but no casualties were initially reported. Iranian media also claimed explosions near the island, though the cause was initially unclear. The IRGC warned commercial vessels against using unauthorized routes through the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to attack any ships with "suspicious" movements.

The confrontation continued on Sunday, with the IRGC claiming they had attacked three tankers and three US-linked vessels in other areas. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened Iran with further military action, tweeting an AI-generated video depicting Kharg Island being destroyed. Iranian officials warned that any attack on the island would result in a strong response.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited, with only one commodity vessel crossing on Saturday, while other ships had their tracking systems switched off. US President Donald Trump has stated that the US is helping as many as 40 vessels a night pass through the strait. Tankers have gathered in the Gulf as Gulf exporters shift cargoes through transfers out at sea, and some vessels have sailed with their transponders switched off.