World
US-Iran Conflict Escalates as Washington Destroys Five Oil Tankers, Tehran Retaliates in Jordan
By AP
The United States military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in response to renewed attacks on American warships, while Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward U.S. targets in Jordan. The exchange marks the latest escalation in a conflict between the two nations that has continued for more than six months.
According to Iranian state media, Iran fired missiles toward American positions in Jordan following the U.S. strikes. Jordan's military reported that its air defense systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles aimed at its territory, while two additional missiles landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported. Jordan, a key U.S. ally that hosts American forces, has faced repeated Iranian strikes on its military bases. The U.S. Central Command said it had no information to provide regarding the Jordan strikes.
The latest confrontation is part of President Donald Trump's combined military and economic strategy aimed at ending the conflict. On the same day, the Trump administration expanded sanctions on Iran's aviation sector, targeting more than two dozen commercial and private airlines along with foreign cargo service providers, as part of efforts to further isolate Iran economically.
Both countries are vying for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil once passed before the war began. The resulting rise in energy prices has created political challenges for Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. Brent crude oil prices reached as high as $99.46 per barrel on Tuesday.
This latest U.S. strike follows an earlier action on Saturday, September 5, 2026, when American forces destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after Iran's Revolutionary Guards attempted to attack a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer with ballistic missiles. The U.S. had warned it would target Iran's oil fleet if necessary. In response, Iran indicated plans to declare a new