US-Iran war escalates again as 5 Iranian oil tankers destroyed, Tehran claims strikes on US vessels

The US-Iran conflict has entered another dangerous phase, with Washington saying it destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers and Tehran claiming attacks on two US vessels and several oil tankers in the Gulf.

The latest exchange of attacks comes after weeks of renewed military hostilities between the two countries, with tensions also spreading around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

US strikes five Iranian oil tankers

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly tried to target a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles.

According to CENTCOM, the vessels M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while M/T Derya was hit near Kharg Island. US forces reportedly ordered the crews to leave the vessels before the ships were struck.

The Navy warship targeted by Iran managed to evade the missiles and continued patrolling regional waters, CENTCOM said. No American casualties were reported.

Iran claims attacks in the Gulf

Iran's Revolutionary Guards later said it had attacked 10 ships attempting to pass through an area it described as "prohibited and unsafe" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran also claimed responsibility for an attack on the US air base at Al-Azraq in Jordan. The IRGC said the strike damaged maintenance and repair facilities, deployment locations and shelters for fighter jets. Jordan's military said it intercepted 18 Iranian missiles launched towards the country.

Iran has also warned crews aboard oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to leave their vessels, saying they could be targeted in retaliation for the US strikes. Tehran accused the two Gulf nations of supporting Washington by hosting US forces.

Washington threatens more retaliation

The US has accused Iran of using the targeted tankers as part of a "multibillion-dollar shadow network" that helps finance the IRGC and its regional allies.

On September 5, Washington said it had already destroyed three Iranian crude oil carriers after alleged attempts by the IRGC to attack a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that further attempts to attack American naval vessels would trigger more strikes on Iranian tankers.

"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.

The latest attacks underline the growing risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, as both sides continue their military confrontation.