Iran Launches Missiles at Jordan After US Strikes on Five Iranian Oil Tankers

Iran launched 20 ballistic missiles toward Jordan in retaliation for US strikes that destroyed five Iranian oil tankers, according to reports. Jordan’s military said 18 of the missiles were intercepted by its air defense systems, while the other two landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported.

On Tuesday (September 8), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran had attempted to strike a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the previous two days. Both attempts were thwarted, after which US forces attacked five Iranian crude oil tankers.

According to CENTCOM, four of the tankers were targeted in the Gulf of Oman and another near Iran’s Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. The US military had ordered the crews to leave the vessels before the strikes. No US military personnel were injured.

Iran said the missiles targeting Jordan were aimed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which is also used by US forces.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that oil tankers near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain could also become targets. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that crews of tankers at ports in the two countries had been warned to leave the vessels.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of further action in response to Iran’s attacks. Speaking to reporters in Barranquilla during his visit to Colombia, Rubio said Iran would lose oil tankers every time it attacked or attempted to attack US naval vessels.

The United States has also tightened economic pressure on Iran. On Tuesday, Washington imposed new sanctions on 27 Iranian airlines and nine service providers and sales agents, accusing them of providing services to Iran’s sanctioned private airline Mahan Air. 

The latest exchange of attacks comes amid growing military tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears that the conflict could further escalate across the Middle East.