The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, used his X account to signal that the United States could target Iran’s whole oil‑tanker fleet if Tehran were to fire on American warships. The warning came shortly after Washington confirmed that its forces had struck three Iranian vessels in response to recent attacks on US naval assets.
In his post, Hegseth wrote: “It’s simple: if Iran shoots at US ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is not shoot.” He added that Iran’s tanker fleet is “defenceless – Iran has no navy or air force,” and that “Our planes, ships & subs can strike them all.”
The remarks were reported by Middle East Eye, which noted that the statement reflects a heightened US posture in the region following a series of confrontations involving Iranian-backed militia groups and US naval vessels operating in the Gulf. The Pentagon has not disclosed further operational details, but the language suggests a willingness to expand the scope of retaliation beyond the initial three vessels.
Iran has not publicly responded to the US declaration, and the Iranian government has previously warned that any aggression against its maritime interests would be met with proportional measures. Analysts note that the United States’ ability to project power through aircraft, surface ships and submarines gives it a significant advantage in targeting oil tankers, which are typically unarmed and rely on civilian crews.
The escalation follows a pattern of tit‑for‑tat incidents that have raised concerns about the security of global oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. International observers have warned that further strikes could disrupt maritime traffic and increase oil price volatility.
The US statement underscores the strategic importance Washington places on protecting its naval forces and maintaining freedom of navigation in the region. It also signals to Tehran that any hostile action against US ships could invite a broader campaign against Iranian commercial shipping assets.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pentagon-chief-threatens-more-strikes-iranian-oil-tankers.