US Destroys Five Iranian Oil Tankers as Conflict Escalates
The US military has escalated its conflict with Iran by destroying five Iranian oil tankers in response to recent attacks on American warships. The strikes, which took place on Tuesday, were part of a dual economic and military approach by President Donald Trump as he struggles to bring an end to the war.
Iran launched missiles towards US targets in Jordan in retaliation for the destruction of its oil tankers. U.S. Central Command said it had no information to offer about the strikes on the Jordanian airbase.
The latest strikes are part of a larger conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world's oil passes through. Rising energy prices are posing political problems for Trump and his Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.