US Targets Iranian Oil Tankers Following Iran's Attacks on US Base and Vessels in Jordan

An Iranian tanker has sunk following a US strike, prompting Tehran to respond with missile attacks on an American base located in Jordan.

US forces targeted five Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran's missile strikes on a US base and assaults on vessels.

The United States has targeted five Iranian oil tankers, resulting in the sinking of one, while Iran responded with missile strikes on a US military base in Jordan and announced additional attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (Centcom) reported that four of the tankers targeted in the Gulf of Oman were associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while another was hit near Kharg Island, which is Iran’s primary oil-export terminal.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles at a US base in Jordan, and Jordanian forces intercepted the majority of the projectiles.

According to a spokesperson for the Jordanian Armed Forces, Jordan reported that it had intercepted 18 out of 20 Iranian missiles, with the two that remained landing in unpopulated areas.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards subsequently announced that they had targeted two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and ten “non-compliant vessels” attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.

The recent exchange signifies an escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, following Iranian assaults on a US warship using ballistic missiles.

Centcom reported that the US vessel effectively dodged the missiles and that no American troops sustained injuries.

In its announcement regarding the tanker strikes, the US stated that the vessels were linked to an Iranian network utilized for financing the Revolutionary Guards and its regional allies.

Centcom stated that the tankers in question were

“a component of a multi-billion-dollar covert network that finances the IRGC and its regional affiliates.”

One of the vessels, the M/T Riesco, subsequently sank in the Gulf of Oman after being hit, with Centcom releasing footage that displayed the damaged tanker.

The recent strikes also focused on waters adjacent to Kharg Island, where Iran’s main oil-export terminal is located.


The island manages approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, with oil being transported from the mainland via pipelines.

The confrontation has led to an increase in oil prices due to worries about potential disruptions to regional energy supplies. Brent crude increased by 1.5% to $99.35 a barrel during Asian trading, while US-traded oil saw a rise of 1.3% to $94.23.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s response, stating that Iran’s attempts to attack American naval vessels would lead to additional strikes against Iranian oil tankers.

Iran persists in its attempts to target US naval vessels. Each time Iran attempts to target US naval vessels, it will inevitably lose tankers. “I believe you will witness that once more today."

The US strikes occurred just hours after Iran's navy announced the seizure of an uncrewed American submarine in the Strait of Hormuz.

Centcom contested the characterization, stating that the underwater drone had experienced a malfunction over a day prior and was being utilized to observe regional waters in support of US operations.

US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the drone was an older model and lacked sensitive information or classified sonar or radar equipment.

“The underwater drone utilized by US forces experienced a malfunction over a day ago.”

He stated that US military operations in regional waters were ongoing.

The recent confrontation between the US and Iran occurs against a backdrop of broader instability throughout the region.

On Tuesday, the Iran-backed Houthi movement from Yemen launched attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, resulting in injuries to 73 individuals, as reported by Saudi authorities.

Saudi authorities reported that the drone and missile attacks ignited fires at oil facilities and installations, leading to a temporary halt in some operations.