The U.S. military reported the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers on September 8, 2026, in response to missile attacks on its warships. Iranian state media stated that Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward U.S. targets in Jordan. U.S. Central Command did not provide information regarding the strikes on the Jordanian airbase.
This series of strikes marks an escalation in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, which have been ongoing for over six months. The U.S. also imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran's aviation industry, targeting over two dozen commercial and private airlines and foreign cargo service providers.
The U.S. and Iran are both vying for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil transport. Following the recent military actions, Brent crude oil prices rose to $99.46 per barrel. On September 5, the U.S. military had already destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after Iran's Revolutionary Guards attempted to attack a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer with ballistic missiles.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. would respond to Iranian attacks, emphasizing that Iran would lose tankers for each attempt to strike U.S. naval ships.
Danny Citrinowicz, an expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, cautioned that the ongoing cycle of strikes could lead to further retaliation and negatively impact the global economy.
U.S. Central Command identified the destroyed tankers as the Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1, and Riesco, located in the Gulf of Oman, and the Derya, near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Crews were reportedly evacuated before the attacks. Iranian state television confirmed the U.S. strikes, reporting attacks on tankers near Jask and Kharg Island.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy warned oil tanker crews near Kuwait and Bahrain to leave their vessels, citing potential targeting in response to U.S. actions. The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has severely impacted Iran's economy by limiting oil exports, while the U.S. military has been facilitating a limited number of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation remains tense as both nations navigate their strategies in this ongoing conflict.