Tehran threatens vessels in Bahrain, Kuwait after US strikes Iranian tankers near Kharg Island - CNN
A series of attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, leading to a spike in global oil prices. The U.S. military sank an Iranian tanker in retaliation for missile strikes, while Iran responded by targeting a U.S.-allied base in Jordan.
Why it matters
This conflict threatens global energy security and risks a broader military confrontation in the Middle East.
At least seven oil tankers have been struck in and beyond the Persian Gulf since Tuesday evening local time, as the United States and Iran step up tanker attacks in what could mark a dangerous new phase in the war. The escalation led global oil prices to rise briefly above $100 per barrel for the first time since July. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 2.3% before falling back slightly. Late Tuesday, the US military struck five Iranian tankers, sinking one, after Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US Navy warship. Four crude oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island – a hub for Iranian oil exports in the Persian Gulf – were struck, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in