Iran threatens US with new 'economic warfare' and missiles as Houthis attack Saudi Arabia
Crude oil reached $100 per barrel, a 15-week high, following US military strikes on five Iranian oil tankers. In retaliation, Iran attacked the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, damaging several American military aircraft. While Iran continues to claim authority over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, no US warships have been confirmed hit by Iranian missiles during these exchanges. Trump advisers now suggest the conflict could persist until the end of the current presidential term.
What changed
The US destroyed five additional tankers, oil prices spiked to $100, and US aircraft in Jordan sustained damage.
Live updates
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Crude Oil Hits $100 as US Destroys Iranian Tankers and Iran Strikes Jordan Base
Crude oil reached $100 per barrel, a 15-week high, following US military strikes on five Iranian oil tankers. In retaliation, Iran attacked the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, damaging several American military aircraft. While Iran continues to claim authority over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, no US warships have been confirmed hit by Iranian missiles during these exchanges. Trump advisers now suggest the conflict could persist until the end of the current presidential term.
Why it matters
The escalation follows a cycle of ballistic missile strikes and the US targeting a shadow network used to fund the Revolutionary Guard. This conflict disrupts one of the world's most vital shipping lanes. Tensions remain high as Saudi-backed forces and Houthi rebels also clash in Yemen.
What is confirmed
- Crude oil prices hit a 15-week high of $100 per barrel.
- The US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers.
- Iranian strikes damaged multiple American military aircraft at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Still unconfirmed
- The conflict with Iran may last through the end of President Trump's term.
- No US ships have been confirmed hit by Iranian missiles in the current exchanges.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of further Iranian retaliation against US naval assets
- Official US response to the damage at the Jordan air base
- Fluctuations in global oil prices following the tanker destructions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Oil hits $100 per barrel as U.S. and Iran launch new attacks
- www.businesstimes.com.sg — Trump advisers warn Iran conflict may last through end of his term, WSJ reports
- www.gmanetwork.com — US military aircraft damaged in Iran attack on Jordan base, official says
- www.businesstimes.com.sg — Iran attacks on US warships show limits of tanker reprisals
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Iran targets US forces in Jordan and Hormuz as US destroys tankers
Iran attacked US ships in the Strait of Hormuz and a US base in Jordan following ballistic missile strikes on American warships. In response, the US destroyed Iranian oil tankers that US Central Command says belong to a multibillion-dollar shadow network funding the Revolutionary Guard. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels report Saudi-backed forces launched dozens of airstrikes across four Yemeni provinces, following earlier Houthi attacks on Saudi cities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tehran would lose oil tankers for attacking US warships, while Nigeria urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
Why it matters
This escalation follows a shift in Iranian military doctrine toward preemptive action and threats of economic warfare. The conflict involves a cycle of strikes between Iran-backed proxies and US or Saudi forces. The targeting of shadow tankers aims to disrupt the financial pipeline to the Revolutionary Guard.
What is confirmed
- Iran targeted US forces in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US destroyed Iranian oil tankers after ballistic missile attacks on an American warship.
- US Central Command stated the destroyed tankers were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network funding the Revolutionary Guard.
- Houthi rebels claim Saudi-backed forces launched dozens of airstrikes across four provinces.
Still unconfirmed
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tehran would lose oil tankers for trying to attack US warships.
- Nigeria urged warring parties to uphold international law and refrain from further actions that could escalate the situation.
What to watch next
- Further US strikes on the Revolutionary Guard shadow network
- Iranian response to the destruction of its oil tankers
- Official Saudi confirmation of airstrikes in Yemen
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.foxnews.com — Iran attacks US base in Jordan, ships in Strait of Hormuz
- www.irishtimes.com — US says Iranian tankers destroyed after ballistic missile attacks on American warship
- www.broomfieldenterprise.com — Yemen’s Houthi rebels say Saudi-backed forces launched airstrikes, and other key Mideast news
- allafrica.com — Nigeria Condemns Houthi Attack On Saudi Arabia
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Iran threatens economic warfare as Houthis strike Saudi Arabia
Iran has threatened the United States with "economic warfare" and the creation of a maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf following an intensification of regional conflict. On Tuesday, Iranian-backed Houthis launched strikes on four southern Saudi cities, wounding 73 people and damaging Aramco oil facilities. In response to U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers and a base in Jordan, Tehran claims it fired advanced ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships. Iranian state media indicates a shift in military doctrine toward preemptive action using new missile systems.
Why it matters
The conflict has expanded over six months, now threatening two major oil chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. U.S. sanctions continue to pressure the Iranian economy while the U.S. targets Iranian maritime assets. The UAE has warned against any single state controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
What is confirmed
- Houthi strikes on four southern Saudi cities wounded 73 people and set oil installations ablaze.
- Iran threatened the United States with "economic warfare".
- Iran claims it fired advanced ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships.
- U.S. forces hit multiple Iranian oil tankers and a U.S. base in Jordan was targeted.
Still unconfirmed
- Tehran plans a new Gulf exclusion zone.
- The Qassem Basir ballistic missile reflects a shift in Iranian military doctrine.
- The Castle Breaker missile has been used against US bases.
What to watch next
- U.S. Navy confirmation of missile strikes on warships
- Implementation of a Persian Gulf maritime exclusion zone
- Further Houthi attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- aljazeera.com — What is Iran’s Castle Breaker missile, used against US bases?
- AP News — Iran says improved ballistic missile shows it will take preemptive action against threats
- NavalToday — Iran targets two US Navy warships with ballistic missiles
- Middle East Eye — Iran's acting defence minister says Tehran capable of targeting US warships
- Reuters — Iran threatens US with new 'economic warfare' and missiles as Houthis attack Saudi Arabia
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US Iran War Live Updates: UAE warns no single state should control Strait of Hormuz
- RTE.ie — Iran says it fired advanced missile at US warships
- www.aol.com — Iran says it plans new Gulf 'exclusion zone', threatens US with new missiles
- www.independent.co.uk — Iran-US war latest: Houthis attack Saudi Arabia and wound dozens in major expansion of war in the Middle East
- www.yahoo.com — New risk for US consumers as Iran-backed attacks threaten a second major oil chokepoint
- www.outlookindia.com — Iran Warns US Of ‘Economic Warfare’ As Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia, 73 Wounded
- www.al-monitor.com — War expands as Houthis attack Saudi cities and US strikes Iranian tankers