US forces attacked five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. Iran was accused of attempting to attack a US warship twice in two days. Tehran responded by firing missiles at the Al Azraq base in Jordan and said it had also attacked several ships in the area, claiming "significant damage."
CENTCOM said the IRGC twice attempted to target a US ship, but the ship evaded both attacks and no US personnel were injured. In response, US forces disabled and destroyed five tankers: the M/T Kawiz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, and M/T Risco in the Gulf of Oman, and the M/T Derya near Kharg Island. CENTCOM said the crews were ordered to abandon ship before the attacks and later released footage showing the M/T Risco sinking.
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB confirmed at least one attack near Kharg Island—a major oil export hub that once handled nearly 90% of the country's crude oil shipments—and reported that crew members had been evacuated. The IRGC later claimed to have targeted five tankers, and additionally stated that it had carried out "fierce missile attacks" on Jordan's Al Azraq base, claiming that hangars used by US aircraft were destroyed.
The IRGC also claimed ballistic missile attacks on the US destroyers DDG-119 and DDG-53, saying both suffered "significant damage." In a further statement, the IRGC said its naval forces attacked "2 US ships and 8 tankers in the area," though it was unclear whether the two US ships mentioned were the previously mentioned destroyers. Teams were securing the wreck sites. Iran's military chief, Ali Abdullahi, warned that Tehran would attack US bases across the region if Iranian tankers were attacked.
The clash comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, and Washington has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The renewed hostility sent oil prices above $99 per barrel in early trading.
This incident follows earlier US attacks: On September 5, US forces attacked three Iranian tankers, sinking one of them. Iran said it responded by attacking three commercial vessels and three US-affiliated ships that day. Iranian officials have since discussed creating a restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, and have warned that ships entering it could face sanctions from Tehran.
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the recent US attacks, calling them a violation of the UN Charter and "war crimes," and described these actions as part of the US's continued military and economic aggression. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the attacks, stating that the US would not back down and that Iranian attempts to target US ships would result in the loss of Iranian tankers.
Commentators say these attacks represent an escalation in the six-month-long conflict. Analysts say the targeting of commercial shipping may be aimed at inflicting economic damage and pressuring Tehran, consistent with the US's aim to suppress Iran's economy, although it is unclear whether the US attacks reflect a coordinated long-term strategy or are a response to immediate threats.
Amid the surface and missile exchanges, the IRGC also said it had intercepted an unmanned US submarine at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The US military responded that the underwater drone had malfunctioned while conducting surveillance, insisting it was malfunctioning, not collecting sensitive data, and not carrying any classified equipment.
As both sides exchange claims and counterclaims, the strategically important Gulf region faces the risk of further escalation. These attacks will have immediate implications for maritime security, regional military posture, and global oil markets—and raise questions about the potential for a major conflict if containment by either side fails.
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