US military forces destroyed five Iranian oil carriers on Tuesday following a series of escalations involving ballistic missile attacks by Tehran. The strikes come in response to two recent incidents in which Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces targeted an American warship.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), personnel were ordered to abandon the vessels before they were struck and rendered inoperable. The targeted ships included the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1, and Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, as well as the Derya, which was located near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a retaliatory move, Iranian state media reported that missiles were launched toward US targets in Jordan. When questioned regarding strikes on a Jordanian airbase, CENTCOM declined to provide immediate comment.
Tensions further intensified early Wednesday when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning to oil tankers in Kuwait and Bahrain. Through the state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC urged crews to evacuate their vessels, stating that ships anchored or docked in these ports would be considered legitimate targets due to their alleged partnership with what Iran described as “terrorists.”
People need to calm down. Naval skirmishes happen, but sinking five tankers simultaneously feels like the start of something much bigger.
Oil prices are going to skyrocket. Who is actually going to insure ships in these waters now? This is pure chaos.
Wait, Jordan? I thought the US wasn’t striking there. Did CENTCOM confirm that missile launch toward Jordan officially?
Iran threatening Kuwait and Bahrain ports directly is a new level of dangerous. Neighbors getting pulled in isn’t good for anyone.
This is escalating so fast. Five tankers just gone? The Strait of Hormuz could be blocked entirely by next week.