Iran missile attack on a US-linked base in Jordan and ships near the Strait of Hormuz has sharply raised tensions in the ongoing regional conflict. On Wednesday the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched ballistic missiles at a facility near Al Azraq used by American forces. Jordan reported that its air defenses intercepted 18 of the 20 incoming missiles, with the remaining two landing in empty areas and causing no injuries. A US official confirmed the strikes caused no damage to American troops and that every service member is safe and accounted for.
The Iranian move came hours after the US military announced it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. Central Command released video of the operation and described it as a direct response to recent Iranian attempts to strike a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles. No American personnel were harmed in those earlier incidents. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that each time Iran tries to hit American naval vessels, it will lose more of its tankers.
The IRGC also claimed it struck ten vessels attempting to pass through what it called a prohibited zone in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the statement the targets included two US ships and eight oil tankers. The vital waterway has already seen heavy disruption during the six-month conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February.
Meanwhile Houthi forces in Yemen expanded the fighting by launching drones and missiles into Saudi Arabia. The attacks hit an air base and oil facilities in several southern cities, wounding 73 people including women and children and setting installations on fire. Saudi authorities confirmed the damage and the injuries.
The renewed exchange of strikes has ended a period of relative calm and pushed oil prices higher. Both sides continue to pressure each other through military action and efforts to control energy exports. Washington is trying to keep oil flowing while blocking Iranian shipments, and Tehran is responding with attacks on US assets, allied territory, and commercial shipping. The situation remains highly volatile with no clear sign of de-escalation.
