US Destroys Five Iranian Oil Tankers After Missile Attacks

On Tuesday, the US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the strikes as retaliation for two ballistic missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a US Navy warship over the previous two days.

The crews were ordered to abandon the vessels before the strikes. CENTCOM said the tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network financing the IRGC and its regional proxies. One of the vessels later sank.

The strikes were followed by a further round of retaliation. Iranian media reported explosions on Kharg Island, including in the port area, and near the port city of Jask, close to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran subsequently fired ballistic missiles at a base used by US forces near Al Azraq in Jordan. The Jordanian military said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 18 of the 20 missiles, while two fell in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint. Iran continues largely to obstruct shipping through the strategic waterway with threats and attacks on vessels, while the United States is increasing economic and military pressure through a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

(dpa, max)