Iran claims to have attacked 10 ships near strait of Hormuz after US strikes
Oil price rises above $100 a barrel as Tehran responds to US attacks that sunk five Iranian tankers
TL;DR
- Iran claims to have attacked 10 ships around the Strait of Hormuz after the US sunk five Iranian tankers.
- The incident sent the oil price above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
- Fighting has largely revolved around control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran attempting to close it and the US enforcing a blockade.
- Among the vessels struck by Iran were two US vessels and eight oil tankers, though the US denied its vessels were hit.
- A tanker in Iraqi waters was also struck by a drone.
- Iran also claimed to have fired missiles at US bases in Jordan.
- The US stated its attacks were a response to Iran targeting a US navy warship twice.
- The US announced a new policy of attacking Iranian tankers if Iran targets its warships.
- The conflict has taken on a regional dimension with Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen trading strikes with Saudi Arabia.
- The Houthis launched attacks on four cities in Saudi Arabia, causing fires at oil installations.
- Fighting re-ignited between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after the Houthis launched an offensive in south Yemen aimed at reaching the Red Sea.