Latest developments in the US-Iran war

Oil prices surged to near US$100 a barrel in Asian trade on Wednesday due to concerns over potential supply disruptions following Iran's retaliatory attacks against US vessels. The Middle East conflict continues to disrupt oil shipping routes, with Iran launching fresh assaults against US interests in retaliation for US strikes on its vessels.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacking two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and 10 non-compliant vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports. Jordan's military responded to Iran's missile strikes on its base by shooting down 18 Iranian missiles.

In a show of force, Iran threatened to target oil tankers off Kuwait and Bahrain, urging crews to abandon their ships. The US military retaliated by destroying five Iranian oil carriers following Tehran's recent ballistic missile attacks on American warships. A US tanker was also targeted by a missile attack off Kharg Island, while explosions were heard in the southern port of Jask.

The Iranian Armed Forces' chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, threatened to attack US bases in the region if Iranian oil tankers were attacked, claiming that any such attack would result in targeting US bases. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for attacks conducted by Yemen's Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia, stating that these rebels are agents and proxies of Iran.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the capture of a small Iranian tanker that was destroyed by US forces, claiming it was a significant success for the Iranian military. Additionally, Iran asserted that it had thwarted a drone attack on its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, though the US military disputed this claim, stating that the drone malfunctioned and was not carrying sensitive data.