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 projectiles, with two falling in remote areas. Israeli officials confirmed that Israel was not involved in the interception and that no missiles crossed into Israeli territory, despite some Israeli civilians reporting seeing the heavy missile launch in the sky.

The Iranian attack followed a U.S. operation earlier that day. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps twice targeted a U.S. warship with ballistic missiles over the previous two days. The U.S. stated the warship successfully evaded the attacks and continued its patrol without damage or casualties.

In response to the U.S. action, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed early Wednesday morning to have attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf. This escalation occurs amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly following the U.S. reimposition of a naval blockade on Iran on July 14. CENTCOM reported that since the blockade's renewal, approximately 86 commercial vessels attempting to breach it have been intercepted. The U.S. aims to increase economic pressure on Tehran and disrupt its maritime trade in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while Iran faces a severe economic crisis.