The U.S. launched strikes on two Iranian oil tankers Tuesday as part of a new "tanker-for-tanker" policy aimed at deterring Tehran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Central Command said the attacks targeted vessels anchored off Iran’s coast, damaging engine rooms and degrading Iran’s maritime strike capabilities for at least a month.
The strikes followed Iran’s recent attempts to disrupt shipping and target American forces in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait. Tehran claimed civilian casualties in the U.S. attacks and responded with missile and drone barrages against U.S. facilities. President Trump later claimed more than two dozen Iranian ships were destroyed, though the White House has not clarified the types of vessels involved.
Oil prices jumped above $95 per barrel Wednesday amid the renewed hostilities, up from $87.50 before last week’s escalation. The U.S.-facilitated southern route through the strait remains available to shipping, but Iran continues to threaten vessels with mines, drones, and missiles.
