U.S. military destroys 5 Iranian oil tankers. And, the Smithsonian head resigns
The U.S. military has destroyed several Iranian oil tankers, leading to retaliatory strikes in Jordan and rising oil prices. Meanwhile, Smithsonian head Lonnie G. Bunch announced his resignation following political pressure from the Trump administration regarding the institution's focus.
Why it matters
These events represent a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions and a shift in the leadership of a major American cultural institution.
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U.S. Central Command announced that it destroyed five Iranian oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran's Kharg Island yesterday. In retaliation, Iran targeted U.S. troops stationed at an air base in Jordan. Since Saturday, the U.S. has struck eight Iranian crude tankers as part of its efforts to weaken Iran's economic lifeline. Turmoil from this war has pushed Brent crude oil prices back above $100 a barrel today.
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