New york: Iran reported an attack on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz following the United States' destruction of several Iranian oil tankers. This marked a significant escalation in the ongoing six-month conflict between the two nations.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the exchange of strikes has led to a surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since July. Iran also claimed to have launched ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan, although no casualties or damage were reported.
In recent weeks, Iran and the United States have engaged in retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about the potential for a full-scale war. US President Donald Trump stated on September 9 that while the US is not seeking a deal to end the conflict, negotiations could potentially occur. He also expressed his belief that the conflict would conclude after the midterm elections in November, as he perceives Iran cannot withstand the pressure any longer.
The US military announced it had sunk five Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. This action was described as a response to Iran firing missiles at a US Navy warship over the preceding days. In retaliation, Iran launched 20 ballistic missiles towards Jordan, which intercepted 18 of them, with the remaining two landing in unpopulated areas.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Iran's elite military branch, claimed responsibility for attacks on two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and ten noncompliant vessels attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has effectively closed this strategic waterway, a crucial route for global energy supplies, since the conflict began in February.
The escalation in maritime conflict has already impacted shipping through the region. Data from Kpler, a commodities and shipping analytics company, indicated a significant decrease in commercial vessel crossings through the strait on September 8. The IRGC further expanded the conflict zone by designating parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea as "prohibited zones," subjecting vessels to sanctions.
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US actions against its oil tankers as threats to regional and international peace. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would continue to lose tankers should it attempt further attacks on US ships.
The United States has escalated its economic pressure on Iran, with new sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector and entities aiding Tehran in acquiring aircraft and sensitive technology. Additionally, a naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports has further disrupted Iran's oil exports, a critical revenue source for the country. Meanwhile, Iran's national currency, the rial, has plummeted to a new low against major foreign currencies, exacerbating the economic strain.