US Destroys Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The conflict between the US and Iran escalated Tuesday after the US destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to missile attacks on an American warship. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, with the oil vessels being targeted off Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub. According to the US Central Command, the crews of the tankers were ordered to abandon their ships before they were struck.
The US military said that the warship dodged the ballistic missiles and no American personnel were injured in the attack. In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired ballistic missiles at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, where US troops are stationed. The base's air defenses intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington would continue to strike tankers if Tehran attacks American warships. This move has heightened concerns about the safety of oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy trade. As investors assessed the risk of a broader regional conflict, oil prices surged, with Brent crude approaching $100 a barrel.