Iran and US Exchange Attacks on Tankers in Biggest Escalation Since War Began

Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, including two US vessels and eight oil tankers, after the US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers overnight. The exchange marks the largest wave of attacks on shipping since the six-month conflict began, sending Brent crude above $100 a barrel for the first time since July. At least one seafarer was killed aboard a tanker near Dubai, with another crew member reported missing.

Missiles Also Target US Base in Jordan

Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan, though Jordanian officials said most were intercepted, with the remainder landing in unpopulated areas. US officials confirmed all American troops were accounted for. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned it would sharply escalate further responses and plans to announce an expanded restricted maritime zone extending toward the Pakistani coast.

Trump Predicts War’s End After Midterms

President Trump suggested the conflict would end shortly after November’s midterm elections, claiming Iran was attempting to influence the vote. However, reports indicate some senior White House advisers have privately expressed concern that the war could extend well beyond that timeline.

Separately, fighting has also intensified between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi forces, opening a second front that threatens broader Middle East energy supplies. Diesel prices in the US hit a fresh record high amid the escalating disruption.