US forces struck five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, sinking one, in direct retaliation for Tehran’s repeated attacks on American naval vessels, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The strikes targeted four tankers in the Gulf of Oman connected to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and a fifth vessel near Kharg Island, a critical oil export terminal off Iran’s coast.
Tehran responded by firing missiles at a US military base in Jordan. A spokesperson for the Jordanian Armed Forces stated that defense systems intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles launched, with the remaining two landing in uninhabited areas. Iran claimed its attack also hit two US ships and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside ten “non-compliant vessels.” The IRGC warned of further retaliatory measures.
This latest exchange of fire marks a significant escalation in tit-for-tat attacks that have intensified over the past week, more than six months after the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on February 28. Centcom confirmed that Iranian ballistic missiles targeting a US warship were successfully evaded and no American troops were injured.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Colombia, described the situation as straightforward. “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,” Rubio told reporters.
The Pentagon characterized the targeted tankers as components of a multi-billion-dollar shadow network used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies. Centcom posted video evidence on X showing the damaged vessel M/T Riesco, which subsequently sank in the Gulf of Oman.
The conflict has had immediate economic repercussions, with oil prices rising in early Asian trading. Benchmark Brent crude climbed 1.5% to $99.41 (£73.39) per barrel, while US-traded oil increased by 1.6% to $94.55. Kharg Island remains strategically vital, as approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through its terminals.
Compounding the regional instability, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement attacked energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The drone and missile assault, which injured 73 people, caused fires at oil installations and temporarily halted operations, according to Saudi authorities.
Meanwhile, tensions rose after Iran’s navy claimed it had seized an uncrewed US submarine in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins clarified that the underwater drone was an older model that malfunctioned more than a day prior. He emphasized that the device did not carry classified sonar or radar equipment nor collect sensitive data, adding that US operations in the region remain ongoing.
An ‘older model’ drone with no secrets? Sure. I find it hard to believe Washington admits such an oversight without an angle.
The Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia proves this isn’t just US-Iran anymore. Regional neighbors are getting dragged into the crossfire.
Did Iran really claim eight tankers hit? Central Command only mentioned one sank and four struck. That sounds like serious propaganda inflation.
Rubio’s bluntness about losing tankers shows zero nuance. Hope nobody underestimates how fast this spiral goes off the rails.
Oil hitting near $100 is terrifying. I just want to know if this chaos affects my commute costs this week.