Iran-US War: Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply after Tehran launched retaliatory attacks following US strikes on Iranian oil tankers. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly attacked multiple vessels near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles toward a US military base in Jordan.
The latest escalation comes after the US Central Command said American forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. Washington said the strikes came after Iranian forces allegedly attempted to attack a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles.
Iran Attacks Ships Near Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly attacked 10 ships in the region, including two US-linked vessels, amid the growing confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments. Any prolonged disruption could have a major impact on global energy supplies and oil prices.
Iran has also demanded that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz follow routes designated by Tehran, while international shipping activity through the waterway has declined significantly.
Iran Launches Missiles at US Base in Jordan
Iran also targeted a US military base in Jordan with several ballistic missiles.
Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted 18 of 20 missiles launched toward its territory. The remaining missiles reportedly fell in unpopulated areas, with no major casualties reported.
The missile attack came as Tehran vowed to respond to US military action against Iranian interests in the region.
Iran Had Earlier Warned of Military Response
Iranian officials had previously warned that Tehran would take action against perceived threats to the country.
Iranian state media also highlighted the Qassem Basir ballistic missile, describing it as a major advancement in the country’s missile capabilities. The weapon was reportedly unveiled last year and has a range of at least 1,200 kilometres.
Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian security official, claimed that the missile had been tested against a US warship. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim.
What Did the US Say?
The United States said Iranian forces had fired ballistic missiles at American warships before Washington carried out strikes against Iranian oil tankers.
The US Navy said its warships successfully avoided the attacks. Washington has also rejected Iranian plans to establish an exclusion zone around parts of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US maintains that the strategic waterway must remain open to international shipping.
Shipping Disruption Raises Global Concerns
The confrontation has created fresh uncertainty for commercial shipping and global energy markets.
The United States has continued operations aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports, while Iran has sought to influence the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
With military attacks now affecting ships, oil infrastructure and military bases across the region, concerns are growing that the conflict could trigger a wider regional crisis.
