US Military Destroys Iranian Tankers in Retaliatory Strikes Following Attack on Navy Vessels

## US Forces Strike Iranian Tankers After IRGC Missile Attack on Navy Ships The United States military has carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian tankers in the Middle East following an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on US Navy vessels, according to reporting by Seatrade Maritime. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces disabled two tankers operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and destroyed a third in response to the IRGC launching ballistic missiles toward two US Navy ships. ### Escalation in Regional Maritime Tensions The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran in regional waters, with direct military action now targeting commercial tanker assets linked to Iranian state interests. NITC, Iran's national tanker company, operates one of the world's largest fleets of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and has long been subject to US and international sanctions. The strikes represent a direct military response to what CENTCOM characterised as an unprovoked attack on US naval assets, raising immediate concerns across the maritime industry regarding freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping in the region. ### Implications for Regional Shipping The confrontation is likely to heighten risk assessments for vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waters — a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil trade passes. War risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region are expected to come under renewed upward pressure following the incident. Shipping operators, flag states, and maritime security firms will be closely monitoring developments for any further escalation that could affect commercial traffic through one of the world's most strategically vital maritime corridors. Full details of the incident, including the location of the strikes and the condition of any crew aboard the affected vessels, had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting. Seatrade Maritime continues to follow developments. *Source: Seatrade Maritime*