US strikes five Iranian oil tankers as Iran attacks 10 ships, Jordan base

In a series of escalating tensions in the Gulf, the US and Iran engaged in a series of attacks and retaliations involving oil tankers and US military forces. On Tuesday, the US announced the sinking of five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, accusing Iran of launching ballistic missiles at a US warship.

Iran responded by attacking 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz and firing missiles at US forces stationed at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan. The US Central Command confirmed that Iranian attacks on the warship were unsuccessful and that no American personnel were harmed. In retaliation, Iran destroyed five Iranian oil tankers and claimed to have damaged US destroyers and the Al-Azraq base in Jordan.

The exchange of fire and attacks drove oil prices above $100 a barrel in early trading. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US attacks, warning of the escalatory consequences of such actions.

Brief written by urgent.news from Qatar Tribune's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.