On Sept. 5,
U.S. Central Command reported striking the M/T Downy, M/T Stark 1, and M/T Kylo
after Iran's failed attacks on American warships. CENTCOM commander Adm.
Brad Cooper warned the IRGC that targeting U.S. ships would bring even higher economic costs, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed forces would sink undefended Iranian tankers.
The action
unfolds amid a conflict that has killed 18 U.S. service members, with President
Trump calling it 'small potatoes,' drawing sharp criticism from observers
honoring the fallen as heroes. Tensions rise as Iran threatens U.S. naval
targets and oil prices climb.