Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave of attacks on shipping since war began

Iran and the United States engaged in a series of attacks on shipping vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the most significant wave of tit-for-tat attacks since the six-month-old war began, according to Iran. The attacks caused a surge in oil prices, with benchmark Brent crude futures surpassing $100 a barrel for the first time since July.

During the assaults, at least one crew member aboard a tanker perished, while another was reported missing. Iran also claimed responsibility for firing ballistic missiles at a facility utilized by U.S. forces in Jordan. Since mid-August, both sides have escalated hostilities, targeting military, shipping, and energy assets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to intensify their response, stating that they would strike 20 additional targets if attacked two or three times.

Additionally, they announced the imminent release of maps detailing a larger restricted zone at sea, extending up to Chabahar on Iran's southern coast near Pakistan. Recent days have witnessed heightened tensions and escalation in the conflict.