At a Glance
Iran says it attacked 10 ships, including two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers.
The U.S. says it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers.
Jordan intercepted 18 of 20 Iranian missiles; no casualties were reported.
Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people and hit oil facilities.
Brent crude moved closer to $100 a barrel.
U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates as Military Strikes Spread Across the Gulf
Fresh strikes on military, shipping and energy targets are raising fears of a wider regional crisis and putting renewed pressure on global oil supplies.
KEY DETAILS
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday it fired ballistic missiles at a U.S.-used military base near Al Azraq in Jordan and attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
Jordan said its air defences intercepted 18 missiles, while two landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported. A U.S. official said the attack was ineffective and all American troops were accounted for.
The strikes followed a U.S. operation that destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday. Washington said the action came after Iranian missile attacks on a U.S. Navy warship. No Americans were hurt.
Iran also threatened tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports. A maritime security source said an LNG tanker was damaged at the UAE’s Khor Fakkan port, although responsibility was unclear.
MARKET REACTION
Oil prices climbed again, with Brent crude nearing $100 a barrel as traders watched disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
Meanwhile, Iran-aligned Houthis attacked several Saudi cities, wounding 73 people and setting oil installations on fire.
WHY IT MATTERS
For traders, the Strait of Hormuz is the key risk to watch. Further attacks on tankers or energy infrastructure could tighten supply concerns and keep oil prices volatile.
Markets will focus on whether shipping through Hormuz deteriorates further, and whether the latest strikes trigger another round of retaliation.
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Source: Reuters
Time: 10:00 AM EEST
