US Central Command forces executed strikes on multiple Iranian oil tankers near Iran’s oil export hub of Kharg Island on Tuesday amid the ongoing US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and campaign to cripple Iran’s economy.
Fox’s Jennifer Griffin reported that several US defense officials confirmed that US Central Command is “carrying out airstrikes right now against targets near Kharg Island, as well as Jask.”
The targets include Iranian oil tankers, as part of “an ongoing effort to squeeze Iran economically,” she said, noting that officials say this is not a new phase involving the deployment of ground troops.
The attacks were ongoing as of this afternoon.
Griffin also wrote on X:
Senior US officials to Fox: US military has struck targets near Kharg Island and Jask. The targets include Iranian oil tankers. This is part of a larger effort to squeeze Iran economically. The strategy includes sinking and disabling Iranian crude oil tankers
Senior US officials to Fox: US military has struck targets near Kharg Island and Jask.
The targets include Iranian oil tankers.
This is part of a larger effort to squeeze Iran economically. The strategy includes sinking and disabling Iranian crude oil tankers.— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) September 8, 2026
Per Fox, a US official says Iran fired at least one ballistic missile at a US warship on Monday, but did not strike the ship. Still, the US military wanted to send a message to Iran with today’s strikes.
This comes after US forces permanently disabled three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, one of which was “completely destroyed,” according to US Central Command, in response to attempted attacks by Iran on two US Navy ships in the region.
Footage released on Saturday shows the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and the M/T Kylo being hit by US strikes.
WATCH:
Trump made several posts over the weekend on Truth Social, boasting about the destruction of Iran’s currency, oil exports, and Kharg Island.
Trump has threatened to take over Iran’s Kharg Island “and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets” after attacking military and oil targets on the island in March.
This is a developing story.
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