Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked 10 vessels near the strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, including two US ships and eight oil tankers, in response to US military strikes that destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. The Iranian military characterized the targeted vessels as “noncompliant” with its control over the waterway. At least one sailor was killed and another went missing in the Iranian attacks. The US Central Command disputed Iranian claims, stating that all attempted attacks against American vessels failed.
The incident marks the latest intensification in a six-month conflict centered on control of the strategically vital strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies transit. Iran has attempted to close the waterway while the US enforces a blockade of Iranian ports. The escalating strikes have pushed oil prices above the $100 per barrel threshold for the first time since July, with market analysts warning the increase could contribute to inflation and higher consumer prices globally.
The US military said its tanker strikes were retaliation for Iranian attempts to target a US Navy warship over the previous two days. Iran claimed the US action followed its seizure of an American underwater drone in the strait, though US officials characterized the recovered craft as a defective older model lacking sensitive data. Additionally, Iran reported firing missiles at US bases in Jordan, with authorities stating 18 were intercepted while two landed in unpopulated areas.
Both sides have signaled intentions to escalate further. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new policy of destroying Iranian tankers in response to Iranian targeting of US naval vessels. Iran countered that it would increase attacks proportionally, stating it would respond with 20 strikes for every two or three tankers lost. The IRGC also announced plans to expand a restricted maritime zone extending to the Gulf off Chabahar.
The conflict has expanded regionally, with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen conducting coordinated strikes against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis launched attacks on four Saudi cities on Tuesday, causing fires at oil installations and wounding 73 people, following their offensive toward the Red Sea last week. The group is attempting to enforce a Red Sea blockade announced in July that would disrupt Saudi oil exports.
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