Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تضرب ناقلات إيرانية والأردن يعترض صواريخ

According to Al Jazeera, the United States attacked five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island after accusing Iran of attempting to hit a US warship with ballistic missiles twice in two days.

US Central Command said the targeted vessels were M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and M/T Derya near Kharg Island. It said crews were directed to abandon ship before the tankers were struck and rendered inoperable, and said no American personnel were harmed.

Iran responded by firing missiles at US forces at Al Azraq base in Jordan. Jordan’s Armed Forces said its air defences intercepted and destroyed 18 of 20 ballistic missiles, while two fell in unpopulated areas. It said there were no casualties.

Iran’s IRIB broadcaster confirmed an attack near Kharg Island and said the crew was evacuated. The IRGC said several Iranian commercial ships were hit and claimed the strikes on Al Azraq destroyed hangars used by US fighter jets. It also claimed attacks on two US Navy destroyers.

The exchange came six months into the US and Israel’s war on Iran, as Tehran maintained the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Washington enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Oil prices briefly reached $99.46 on Tuesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue striking Iranian ships if Iran continued trying to hit US naval vessels.