Iran, US trade blows as Hormuz impasse deepens
Summary
Iran launched fresh attacks on US targets in the Middle East after American strikes on Iranian oil tankers, deepening the six-month war between the two countries. The confrontation has pushed Brent crude close to $100 a barrel and further threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Points
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they attacked 20 US vessels and hit a US military base in Jordan in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian oil tankers.
- The US military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after Iran targeted an American warship.
- The standoff has tightened Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and raised oil prices to near $100 a barrel.
- Jordan said it shot down 18 missiles, while Iran also threatened tankers off Kuwait and Bahrain.
