Drone Attack on Tanker in the Gulf and US-Iran Conflict Escalates
Following the US sinking of five Iranian tankers, maritime trade in the Gulf was disrupted, while Iran targeted American bases in Jordan with missiles.
Tensions reached a peak in the Persian Gulf after the US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. While an oil tanker navigating in Iraqi territorial waters was targeted in a drone attack, Iran also launched retaliatory missile strikes against US bases in Jordan.
Drone Attack on Tanker in the Gulf
A tanker navigating in Iraqi territorial waters and carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil was targeted by a drone attack on Wednesday. UKMTO officials reported that many commercial vessels in the region came under fire overnight and were disabled.
US Operation Against Five Iranian Tankers
US Central Command took action on Tuesday, September 8, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired two ballistic missiles at a US Navy warship. Five Iranian crude oil tankers named M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco, and M/T Derya were destroyed.
Missile Retaliation on US Bases in Jordan
Following the American attacks, Iran targeted US bases located in Jordan with missiles. Out of 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory, 18 were successfully destroyed by Jordanian air defense systems.
Stern Warning Statement from Washington
With two projectiles falling into vacant land, there were no casualties in the incident. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that if Iran continues its attack attempts, they will continue to sink more Iranian oil tankers.