Iran Launches Missiles at US Navy; US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers

Iran launched another attack against U.S. Navy vessels on Monday, which the U.S. military has not yet confirmed, following ballistic missile launches toward a U.S. aircraft carrier and a missile destroyer over the weekend. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that in response, it struck five Iranian oil tankers. This action comes after repeated Iranian missile firings at U.S. warships in recent days.

According to officials, no American ships were hit, but the repeated attempts raise concerns that Tehran is employing more advanced weaponry, possibly with assistance from China or Russia. These actions risk a wider escalation, given the U.S. pledge to respond to such attacks, The Wall Street Journal reported. In response to a weekend attempt to hit an aircraft carrier, the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers that funded the military and proxy groups. U.S. Central Command declined to comment on the latest Monday attack.

Weapons experts note that Iran claims to be using new missiles with advanced features, such as electro-optical systems that enable maneuvering toward a moving target via imaging. Iran also revealed missiles like the "Qasem Soleimani" and "Khalij Fars" last year, which utilize this technology. However, retired Vice Admiral John "Pooh" Miller suggested that Iran's ability to locate vessels in the Arabian Sea, after its capabilities were degraded, raises questions about whether China or Russia are aiding it in tracking U.S. ships.

The tensions persist as the U.S. hopes economic pressure and sanctions will break the Iranian regime, while the U.S. Navy currently operates 19 warships supporting operations in the region without the Iranian regime showing signs of backing down. Additionally, Iran confirmed it launched a heavy barrage of ballistic missiles overnight toward U.S. bases in Jordan, including the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and Prince Hassan Air Base. Al-Arabiya reported that Jordanian air defense systems intercepted the missile wave in Jordan's airspace and southern Syria, with launches directed at northern Jordan. The missiles were clearly visible in many parts of Israel's skies without crossing its territory or requiring Israeli intervention in the interceptions. A Jordanian military spokesperson updated that 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iran penetrated Jordan's airspace; 18 were intercepted, and two fell in open areas. No casualties were reported.

Furthermore, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced this morning that they attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf, in response to what they termed a "U.S. attack on five Iranian tankers." They also stated that 10 other ships attempting to cross a "prohibited and unsafe" area in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked. The Iranian attack was a direct response to the U.S. military's earlier strike against several Iranian oil tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guards, in retaliation for Tehran's repeated attempts to launch missiles at U.S. Navy warships.