US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Both Sides Launch Fresh Attacks

The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated again, with both sides launching fresh attacks on each other. The latest developments come after the US claimed to have destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers in response to alleged attempts by Iran to attack a US Navy warship.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it targeted the IRGC crude oil tankers M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco, which were located in the Gulf of Oman. The US also claimed to have hit M/T Derya near Kharg Island.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards struck the US air base of Al-Azraq in Jordan with missiles, news agency AFP reported, citing state media. The IRGC claimed that the 'punitive operation' damaged maintenance and repair facilities, deployment locations and shelters for fighter jets.

Jordan's army meanwhile said it shot down 18 Iranian missiles launched in its direction. Iran warned oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately vacate their vessels which could come under attack in response to the US strikes on Iranian tankers.