US Strikes Iranian Ships, Tehran Retaliates

United States Armed Forces Struck Five Iranian Oil Tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on September 8, Near Kharg Island

According to US authorities, these vessels were affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

On the night of September 8-9, Iran launched retaliatory ballistic missile strikes on two US military bases in Jordan — Muwaffaq Salti and Prince Hassan, including Al-Azraq Air Base. According to media reports, Iran launched a total of twenty ballistic missiles. Jordanian authorities reported that the country’s air defense intercepted most of the missiles before they reached their targets. No human casualties were reported as a result of these attacks.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated that a number of ships, including American vessels and oil tankers, were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims that these vessels attempted to circumvent restrictions it imposed in the strait.

The US reported that the missile strikes did not cause significant damage to the country’s military facilities and all American service members in the region are safe. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any attacks on US forces would be met with a strong response.

Mutual strikes and the conflict between the US and Iran have intensified in recent days. One of the main points of contention is the Strait of Hormuz — a vital transportation corridor between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass.

The US and Israel previously accused Iran of expanding its nuclear and missile programs, as well as supporting armed groups in the region. Tehran denied these accusations, stating that its military programs are necessary for the country’s defense.

Experts warn that continued mutual strikes between the US and Iran could significantly complicate the situation in the Middle East and negatively impact the global energy market, including oil prices.