U.S. military says it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers; Tehran hits back at American targets in Jordan
The U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers following attacks on American warships, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes against U.S. targets in Jordan. These events mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, further complicated by U.S. sanctions on Iran's aviation sector.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens global energy stability and risks a wider regional war, impacting international oil prices and geopolitical security.
The U.S. military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) in response to the latest attacks on its warships, and Tehran hit back at American targets in Jordan, the latest burst of back-and-forth strikes that have lurched the sides back toward open hostilities in a more than six-month-old war.
Following the American strikes, Iran launched missiles toward U.S. targets in Jordan, Iranian state-run media said.
Jordan's military said its air defence systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles launched toward its territory and two others fell in places where no one lives.
It said it has no reports of casualties. Jordan is a staunch U.S. ally that hosts American forces, making the kingdom's military bases a target of repeated Iranian strikes. U.S. Central Command said it had no information to offer.
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