US reports destruction of five Iranian tankers
US Central Command said American forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday after Iran twice targeted a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles.
The command said the American vessel avoided the attacks and continued its mission. US forces instructed the tanker crews to abandon their ships before striking the vessels in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island.
According to the command, the tankers formed part of a network financing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its regional allies.
Iran subsequently claimed a missile attack on a US base near Al Azraq in Jordan. Reuters reported no immediate confirmation from Jordan or the US military.
Energy supplies face renewed pressure
The competing blockades and attacks have disrupted energy supplies, driving oil prices back towards US$100 a barrel. Washington is seeking to escort shipping through Hormuz while blocking Iranian exports.
The US Treasury also announced aviation-related sanctions on Tuesday, describing them as an effort to ground Iranian airlines. The department said the measures targeted aviation networks that Tehran used to transport weapons, personnel and illicit cargo. Those allegations formed part of Washington’s stated justification for the action.
Source: Reuters