The United States has destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after accusing Iran of repeatedly targeting a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles. The strikes on September 8 were carried out in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran’s Kharg Island, according to US Central Command. Iran responded by launching missiles toward a US military facility near Al Azraq in Jordan and attacking vessels around the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan said its air defences intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles, with no casualties reported. The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and has increased concerns over global oil supplies and shipping security.Why Did US Strike Five Tankers?The US military said the strikes were a response to two Iranian missile attacks against a US warship over two days. According to Central Command, the American vessel avoided the attacks and no US personnel were injured. US officials said the targeted tankers were connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), while crews were warned to leave the vessels before they were struck.Five Iranian oil tankers were destroyed by US forces.Four vessels were struck in the Gulf of Oman.Another tanker was hit near Kharg Island.The US said the action followed Iranian attacks on a Navy warship.Iran retaliated with missile attacks and maritime strikes.Iran Retaliates In JordanIran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched ballistic missiles at a US military base near Al Azraq in eastern Jordan after the tanker strikes. Iran claimed the attack caused damage to facilities, but those claims have not been independently verified. Jordan’s military gave a different account, saying its air-defence systems intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles and that the remaining two landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported.The confrontation also spread into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it attacked multiple vessels, including two US ships, while other reports said 10 ships were targeted. Iranian claims of damage to American warships have not been independently confirmed. The developments have raised fresh concerns about the safety of one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments.Also Read: US-Iran Escalation: Tankers Destroyed, Jordan Base StruckOil Prices Near 0The latest attacks have increased pressure on global energy markets because the Strait of Hormuz is a major route for international oil transportation. Brent crude briefly moved close to 0 a barrel as traders assessed the risk of further disruption. Reuters reported that Brent reached around .22 during early trading, while US crude also moved higher.Key HighlightsUS forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on September 8.Washington said the strikes followed Iranian attacks on a US Navy warship.Iran launched missiles toward a US-linked base near Al Azraq, Jordan.Jordan reported intercepting 18 of 20 ballistic missiles.Iran also reported attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz.Rising tensions pushed oil prices close to the 0-per-barrel mark.ConclusionThe latest US-Iran confrontation has expanded from attacks involving military forces to commercial oil shipping and strategic facilities across the region. Washington says its tanker strikes were retaliation for Iranian attacks on a US warship, while Tehran has responded with missile and maritime attacks. Jordan has reported intercepting most of the missiles fired toward its territory, with no casualties. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining under pressure, further attacks could create additional risks for regional security, shipping and global energy markets.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes and is based on information available from reliable reported sources. Military claims that could not be independently verified have been identified as such.
