In response to recent attacks on its warships, the U.S. military confirmed the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran on American targets in Jordan. This marks the latest exchange in the ongoing conflict that has lasted over six months.
Iranian state media reported that after the U.S. strikes, Iran launched missiles towards U.S. targets in Jordan. Jordan’s military successfully intercepted 18 ballistic missiles aimed at its territory, with two missiles landing in uninhabited areas. No casualties were reported. Jordan, a key U.S. ally hosting American forces, has faced repeated Iranian attacks on its military bases.
The back-and-forth strikes reflect President Donald Trump’s dual economic and military strategy as he works towards resolving the conflict. The Trump administration also imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran’s aviation industry, targeting over two dozen commercial and private airlines and foreign cargo service providers to further isolate Tehran.
Both the U.S. and Iran are vying for control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil used to flow before the conflict began in late February. The escalating tensions have led to fluctuations in energy prices, posing political challenges for Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections.
Over the weekend, U.S. forces destroyed three Iranian oil tankers in response to an attempted attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer using ballistic missiles. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate such aggressions from Iran.
Experts warn that the tit-for-tat attacks between the U.S. and Iran could escalate further, risking global economic repercussions. Attempts to find a military solution to the Strait of Hormuz issue may only exacerbate tensions and push both Washington and Tehran towards a more uncontrollable escalation.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the destruction of five Iranian tankers, including the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1, and Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and the vessel Derya near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state TV reported U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers near Jask and Kharg Island, with crews evacuated from the vessels.
Amidst the ongoing tensions, Iran’s IRGC navy issued warnings to oil tanker crews in Kuwait and Bahrain to vacate their ships immediately, citing potential retaliatory attacks for U.S. actions. The blockade of Iranian ports by the U.S. has significantly impacted Iran’s economy by restricting its oil exports. Tehran insists on determining the shipping routes through the strait, which was previously acknowledged as an international waterway.
