The United States on Tuesday said it had destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers after Iran allegedly attempted to attack a US Navy warship, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The claim came as Tehran said on Wednesday that its forces had attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted 10 ships that were attempting to pass through a "prohibited and unsafe" area of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran had earlier claimed that it attacked a US military base in Jordan and also warned oil tanker crews operating near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain. The latest developments have further increased tensions between Washington and Tehran. The two sides have exchanged fresh attacks in recent weeks, reviving direct military hostilities as the conflict enters its seventh month.

US Says Iran Tried to Strike Navy Warship

The US said its latest strikes against Iranian oil tankers were carried out after alleged attempts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target an American Navy warship. According to CENTCOM, the US warship "successfully evaded" ballistic missiles launched by Iran on two occasions over the previous two days. The American vessel then "continued to patrol regional waters". CENTCOM also said there were no American casualties in the attacks. The United States has presented the strikes against the Iranian tankers as a response to what it described as continued Iranian attacks against US naval forces in the region.

Five Iranian Oil Tankers Targeted by US

CENTCOM said American forces destroyed four IRGC-linked crude oil tankers operating in the Gulf of Oman. The vessels were identified as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco. The US military also claimed that it struck M/T Derya near Kharg Island. "American forces directed the crews to abandon ship before the vessels were struck and rendered inoperable," a statement by the CENTCOM read. The strikes represent another major escalation in the conflict, particularly because they directly target vessels linked by Washington to Iran's oil trade.

Iran Claims Missile Attack on US Base in Jordan

Iran's Revolutionary Guards also claimed that they launched missiles at the US air base at Al-Azraq in Jordan, AFP reported, citing Iranian state media. The IRGC described the attack as a "punitive operation". It claimed that the strikes damaged maintenance and repair facilities, deployment areas and shelters used by fighter jets. Jordan, however, said its military intercepted 18 Iranian missiles launched towards its territory. The competing claims came amid growing regional tensions and could not be independently verified.

Iran Warns Tankers Near Kuwait and Bahrain

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy also issued warnings to oil tanker crews near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Iranian forces reportedly asked crews to immediately leave their vessels, warning that the tankers could face attacks in retaliation for the US strikes against Iranian oil carriers. Iran also criticised Kuwait and Bahrain for hosting American military forces. Tehran accused the two Gulf countries of assisting the United States in its military operations against Iran. The warnings have raised further concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz.

US Claims All Iranian Attacks on Warships Failed

Washington has accused Iran of repeatedly attempting to target American naval forces during the ongoing conflict. The US said that on September 5, its forces destroyed three Iranian crude oil carriers after the IRGC allegedly attempted to attack a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. The United States has also accused Iran of using oil tankers as part of a wider network to generate funds for its military and regional allies. According to Washington, the vessels are connected to a "multibillion-dollar shadow network" that provides financial support to the IRGC and its regional proxies. "All IRGC attempts against US Navy warships have failed," the US CENTCOM claimed.

Marco Rubio Warns Iran Over Further Attacks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Tehran that further attempts to attack American naval vessels would lead to additional strikes against Iranian oil tankers. Rubio said Washington would respond to every Iranian attempt to target US warships. "Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships. And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers. And I think you'll see that again today," Rubio said. His warning indicates that Iranian oil tankers could remain targets if Tehran continues its attacks against US naval forces.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Major Flashpoint

The latest attacks have increased concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for global oil and gas shipments. Iran's influence over the strategic waterway has become a major factor in the conflict. At the same time, Washington is seeking to put greater pressure on Tehran by targeting its oil trade, ports and wider economy. With both countries continuing to exchange military threats and attacks, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have wider consequences for international trade and global energy markets.