US forces strike five Iranian tankers after Tehran targets American base in Jordan
U.S. Central Command said five Iranian oil tankers were hit in retaliation for Iran's missile attacks on a U.S. base in Jordan, prompting a rise in oil prices.
U.S. Central Command reported that forces hit five Iranian oil tankers – four in the Gulf of Oman linked to the Revolutionary Guard Corps and one near Kharg Island – after Tehran launched missiles at an American base in Jordan. Jordan’s armed forces said its air-defence systems intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles, with two landing in unpopulated areas.
Iran had earlier fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. warship, which the U.S. said evaded without casualties. In response, the United States described the targeted tankers as part of a “multi-billion-dollar shadow network” that finances the IRGC and its regional proxies.
The exchange comes amid a broader escalation that began more than six months after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Saudi military and energy officials said the drone and missile attacks caused fires and a temporary halt at oil facilities.
Oil markets reacted, with Brent crude up 1.5% to $99.41 a barrel and U.S.-priced crude rising 1.6% to $94.55.
"Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships. And, for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Colombia.
Iran warned of further retaliatory strikes and urged crews of U.S.-linked tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports to leave their vessels, saying they would be targeted.