1
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released footage showing the M/T Kylo, also identified as the Noxen, going down in the Gulf of Oman after a US military strike. According to CENTCOM, the Comoros-flagged vessel was abandoned by its crew before it sank. The US military said the tanker was among Iranian oil vessels targeted during the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran.
The released footage shows the tanker on fire before disappearing beneath the water.
What Happened To The Iranian Oil Tanker?
CENTCOM said the M/T Kylo was struck during US military operations targeting Iranian oil tankers. The vessel was later destroyed and sank in the Gulf of Oman. The US military claimed the operation followed an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involving US Navy vessels.
CENTCOM also said two other tankers, the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1, were targeted during the operation. Unlike the Kylo, both vessels remained afloat but were described by the US military as permanently disabled.
Thanks to the precision and professionalism of American service members, the M/T Kylo sank in the Gulf of Oman today and joined Iran’s navy at the bottom of the sea. pic.twitter.com/OwSDMl8SSQ
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 6, 2026
How Many Iranian Tankers Were Targeted By The US?
According to CENTCOM, three Iranian crude oil tankers were targeted during the latest US operation.
• M/T Kylo: Destroyed and sank in the Gulf of Oman
• M/T Downy: Disabled but remained afloat
• M/T Stark 1: Disabled but remained afloat
The strikes represent a significant escalation because they involve commercial vessels connected to Iran’s oil trade, potentially creating further uncertainty for maritime traffic and energy shipments across the region.
Why Is The Gulf Of Oman Important?
The Gulf of Oman is a crucial maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. It is heavily used for the movement of oil and other commercial cargo. Any sustained disruption in the area could affect shipping routes, insurance costs and energy markets. The latest attacks therefore come amid broader concerns about the impact of the US-Iran confrontation on regional and international trade.
How Has Iran Reacted To The US Strikes?
Iran has strongly rejected the US military action against its vessels. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the attacks as unlawful and accused Washington of pursuing military aggression and a naval blockade against Tehran. Iran also argued that targeting its commercial vessels violates international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Tehran further accused the US of threatening maritime security and international trade.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that continued US military action could trigger a major response. Iranian officials said the country’s armed forces remain prepared to defend its territory and national security. Tehran’s warnings raise concerns that attacks on commercial and energy-related targets could lead to another cycle of military escalation between the two countries.
What Does The Tanker Attack Mean For The US-Iran Conflict?
The destruction of the M/T Kylo adds another potentially dangerous dimension to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. With oil tankers and maritime infrastructure increasingly caught up in the confrontation, the risks extend beyond direct military exchanges. Further attacks could disrupt regional shipping, put pressure on global energy supplies and increase tensions around major waterways.
