Iran Launches Missiles at US Bases in Jordan After Oil Tanker Attack

Iran launched a heavy barrage of dozens of ballistic missiles targeting U.S. bases in Jordan overnight, in retaliation for a U.S. strike that destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Jordan's air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 18 of the 20 missiles launched toward its territory, with two falling in remote areas. Israeli officials clarified that Israel was not involved in the interception and that no missiles crossed into Israeli airspace, despite some Israeli citizens reporting seeing the heavy missile launch.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the destruction of the five Iranian oil tankers, stating that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps had targeted a U.S. warship with ballistic missiles twice in the preceding two days. The U.S. warship successfully evaded the attacks and continued its patrol without sustaining damage or casualties.

In a separate claim, Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated early Wednesday that they had attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf. This claim follows the U.S. operation where five Iranian oil tankers were destroyed.

The escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf come amid a renewed U.S. naval blockade on Iran, reinstated on July 14 following the collapse of temporary understandings. CENTCOM reported that approximately 86 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade have been intercepted since its reinstatement. The U.S. aims to increase economic pressure on Tehran and disrupt its maritime trade in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while Iran grapples with a severe economic crisis.