Tanker Tensions Escalate Between US and Iran
US forces hit five Iranian oil tankers and sank one of them in response to Tehran's attacks.
US forces targeted five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one of them, in response to Tehran's attacks on American vessels and a base in Jordan. These mutual attacks have escalated conflicts in the region and pushed global oil prices upward.
Wave of Mutual Attacks Between US and Iran
The US Central Command announced that five Iranian tankers were hit and one of them was sunk on Tuesday following the targeting of American warships. The targeted tankers included four vessels linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps located in the Gulf of Oman, part of the Persian Gulf, and a tanker near Kharg Island, Iran's main oil terminal off its coast.
Missiles Fired at Base in Jordan
In response to these strikes, the Tehran administration launched missiles at a US base in Jordan, with most of them being intercepted by air defense systems. The official spokesperson for the Jordanian Armed Forces stated that 18 out of 20 missiles fired by Iran were destroyed, while two landed in open terrain outside residential areas.
Developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that they launched attacks on two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and 10 non-compliant ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island, the focus of the attacks, serves as the main terminal for Iran's oil exports, with approximately 90 percent of the country's crude oil transported through this island.
Global Oil Prices Rise
The increase in regional instability exerted pressure on oil prices, with Brent crude rising 1.5 percent to $94.35 per barrel in Asian markets. US-traded oil reached $94.23, marking a 1.3 percent increase.
Energy Facilities in Saudi Arabia Targeted
On Tuesday, Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen launched attacks targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities reported that 73 people were injured in these drone and missile attacks, and operations were temporarily suspended due to fires at the oil facilities.
Statement from US Secretary of State Rubio
Answering reporters' questions during a visit to Colombia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the situation was very clear. Rubio noted that Iran continues to target American naval vessels and that they will lose tankers with every attempt they make.
Statements Regarding Unmanned Submarine Crisis
Prior to the day US forces struck the tankers, the Iranian navy claimed to have captured an unmanned US submarine in the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom spokesperson US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the underwater drone used to survey regional waters had malfunctioned more than a day prior and did not collect sensitive data.