US Central Command Claims Attack on Iranian Tankers After Alleged Missile Fire
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday issued claims on social media platform X, alleging an attack on three Iranian oil tankers. The command stated this action was taken after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly fired ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy ships patrolling in regional waters.
CENTCOM, adopting a media-focused and arguably deceptive approach, claimed that a U.S. aircraft carrier and a missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks, with no U.S. personnel sustaining injuries. Following these alleged unsuccessful Iranian attacks, CENTCOM reported disabling the IRGC oil tankers ‘M/T Downy,’ located near the coast of Kharg Island, and ‘M/T Stark 1,’ near Jask. Additionally, U.S. forces reportedly destroyed the empty oil tanker ‘M/T Kylo,’ also known as ‘Noxen,’ in the Sea of Oman. CENTCOM asserted that these three Iranian tankers are part of a clandestine, multi-billion-dollar network funding the IRGC and its regional proxy forces.
These claims of U.S. military prowess in the region emerge as global energy markets face instability and price increases due to U.S. military provocations against Iran. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, contributing to a significant rise in oil prices. Brent crude oil prices have increased by 7.6 percent, and U.S. crude oil prices have risen by 10.4 percent, positioning the market for its largest weekly gain since the week ending July 20.
In related developments, Furat Al-Musawi, head of the Energy Center in Iraq, commented that the renewed conflict in the region and the Strait of Hormuz signifies a failure of political pathways and the achievement of comprehensive solutions. He further indicated that Brent crude oil prices are exposed to sharp increases, with the potential to reach $100 per barrel.
Reports from the previous day indicated that oil prices had reached $95 per barrel.
