US destroys five Iranian oil tankers; Iran retaliates against Jordan

In early September 2026, the United States destroyed five Iranian oil tankers off the coast of Iran, near Kharg Island. The strikes were in response to earlier attacks by Tehran on US Navy ships. The action pushed global oil prices close to $100 per barrel.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Jordan, a US ally, and also struck a US base in Jordan. Tehran issued evacuation warnings, and the escalation raised fears of a broader regional conflict.