U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly launched two ballistic missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the past two days.
Jordan's armed forces said air-defence systems intercepted and destroyed 18 of 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory, according to the state news agency on Wednesday.
Military officials said the remaining two missiles landed in unpopulated areas and caused no casualties. Authorities added that monitoring and assessment operations were continuing.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers on 8 September after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the previous two days.
According to CENTCOM, the U.S. vessel successfully evaded both attacks and continued operating in regional waters.
The military said no American personnel were injured.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran on Tuesday that any attempt to attack American naval vessels would trigger a response against Iranian shipping assets.
The remarks come after reports of fresh U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which American officials said were carried out in response to attempted missile attacks on a U.S. warship.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung discussed security in the Strait of Hormuz with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, but the talks did not involve plans to deploy troops, Seoul's presidential office said.
Officials said the discussions focused on possible South Korean contributions to international efforts aimed at ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
U.S. forces have carried out strikes on multiple Iranian tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to what Washington described as further attempted missile attacks on a U.S. Navy warship, a U.S. official said.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has warned that ships will be targeted in response to recent U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers, signalling a further escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The threat follows reports of U.S. strikes on Iranian vessels and comes amid heightened security concerns in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Türkiye has strongly condemned attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia, calling on the group to immediately end its hostile actions.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the attacks undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting political solution to the conflict in Yemen.
The ministry also reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement comes weeks after Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defence agreement that includes a collective defence clause similar to NATO's Article 5.
A small Iranian oil tanker was struck by a U.S. missile near Iran's main oil export hub of Kharg Island, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday, citing local sources.
According to the report, the vessel was hit about four miles from the Kharg Island anchorage by a projectile allegedly fired by U.S. forces.
Tasnim said there were no casualties and that the tanker’s crew was being evacuated.
A U.S. military drone malfunctioned in the Middle East while surveying regional waters in support of the war with Iran, a U.S. official told Reuters on Tuesday.
The official said the defective drone was an older model and was not carrying any classified sonar or radar equipment. It malfunctioned more than a day ago.
Reuters
A U.S. official said the drone was an older, defective model that was not carrying any classified sonar or radar equipment.
The official did not provide further details.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said on Tuesday that Iran had destroyed a U.S. MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
There was no immediate confirmation from the U.S. military, and the claim could not be independently verified.
Sirens sounded briefly in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, the Saudi Civil Defense said, adding that the danger had passed.
The agency did not immediately provide further details on what triggered the sirens.
Bangladesh on Tuesday condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Saudi authorities said the attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran injured at least 73 civilians, including women and children, and caused fires at energy facilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had been “punished greatly” by the U.S. naval blockade, calling the operation “so powerful” and “so effective”.
Trump also said Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and praised the U.S. military for its operations against Tehran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on Tuesday it had captured an unmanned U.S. submersible near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.
The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on 36 targets accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector, as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran.
The Treasury also suspended three authorisations that had allowed certain overflights and non-U.S. airlines to fly U.S.-origin aircraft into Iran.
It also issued an alert urging financial institutions to identify and report procurement networks supporting Iran’s aviation sector.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said military pressure cannot resolve the U.S.-Iran conflict, calling dialogue and negotiations the only way forward.
Speaking during talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Beijing, Wang said the conflict was threatening regional security and disrupting energy, shipping and supply chains.
He said China was ready to coordinate with Qatar and other regional countries to help restore peace and stability.
The U.S. Treasury has issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions, according to a notice published on its website.
Details of the individuals or entities targeted were not immediately available.
The move comes as Washington continues its campaign of increased economic pressure on Tehran.
Iranian Economy Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran and Moscow were advancing a series of economic agreements aimed at expanding trade and strengthening Iran’s ability to withstand sanctions.
Madanizadeh said contracts linked to the International North-South Transport Corridor would create new opportunities for Iranian exports, imports and domestic production.
His comments come during a visit to Moscow, where Iranian and Russian officials have also discussed financial, monetary and customs cooperation.
Russia has criticised Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure as “counterproductive,” warning that the escalation risks civilian lives and could disrupt global trade.
Speaking alongside Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the conflict should be addressed through political and diplomatic means rather than military action.
Prince Faisal accused the Houthis of pursuing their own interests at Yemen’s expense, following missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia that injured dozens of civilians.
Iran’s military said it shot down a U.S. drone over the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Tuesday, according to Iranian state media.
No details were immediately provided on the type of drone or the circumstances surrounding the reported interception.
The U.S. has not confirmed the Iranian claim.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss rising tensions in the Middle East and efforts to protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s support for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, while Wang said China was a “reliable and long-term partner” for Qatar. Doha and Beijing also discussed strengthening bilateral ties as Qatar continues mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran.
Britain has published legislation to tighten sanctions on Iran, expanding trade restrictions and powers to target ships as part of efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme and other hostile activities.
The measures would restrict Iran’s access to the UK financial system, widen trade bans and prevent Iranian aircraft from landing in Britain, subject to exemptions.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the measures would “double down” on efforts to constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia as a “cowardly attack”.
In a post on X, Sharif said Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people, warning that such attacks threaten innocent lives and regional peace and security. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s “unwavering support” for the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions raised fears of disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude rose 1.4 per cent to $98.50 a barrel, while WTI gained 1.4 per cent to $94.00.
The rise follows Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia, strikes on energy facilities and Iran’s warning that it will establish a restricted maritime zone near the Strait of Hormuz.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in Moscow that Russia is ready to help resolve the escalating situation in the Middle East, following the recent attacks by Houthis.
Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia was keen to deepen cooperation with Russia, including through the OPEC+ alliance.
The Houthi attacks have added to pressure on global energy markets as Iran continues to target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid its war with the United States.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the door to diplomacy with Yemen’s Houthi rebels remains open, following heavy strikes on the kingdom. “The road to diplomacy is not closed. Saudi Arabia will always support diplomatic solutions, but the kingdom will never hesitate to defend itself and its interests,” he said at a press conference in Moscow.
Prince Faisal described the Houthis as “selfish”, accusing them of prioritising their own interests over the welfare of Yemen’s people and seeking to export their problems to Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
“The provocation by the Houthis will end in failure,” he said, warning that their actions would lead to consequences that “will not be bearable”. “The Kingdom will not hesitate to protect its interests and fulfil its duties in a manner that achieves security in Yemen and the region,” he added.
Bahrain has “strongly condemned” Houthi attacks on civilian, economic and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, which injured civilians, including women and children.
In a statement, Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry also denounced attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, calling the latest escalation “a flagrant violation of the rules of international law”.
Bahrain reaffirmed its “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to protect its sovereignty, security, territory and vital facilities.
Iraq’s Oil Minister says negotiations are under way with U.S. and Qatari companies over the Basra-Baniyas oil pipeline project.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will continue its resistance until “aggressors become regretful” and Iran’s rights are defended.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Iran had always opposed war but would continue to defend itself against aggression, signalling a tougher tone from Tehran.
Qatar has strongly condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, saying civilians, including women and children, were injured.
In a post on X, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as “reprehensible aggressive behaviour” and “a dangerous escalation” threatening regional security and stability.
It also condemned the continued targeting of commercial ships in the Red Sea and called for an “immediate cessation” of the attacks, while reaffirming Qatar’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis will announce a “broad military operation” deep inside Saudi territory, Yahya Saree, the group’s Military Spokesman has said.
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Egypt rejected Iran's moves to restrict the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, at a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo.
“We emphasise on the necessity of freedom of navigation and, naturally, the complete rejection of using maritime corridors as a tool for pressure or escalation,” Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Foreign Minister, said.
Tehran's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva has called for those responsible for what it described as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran to be held accountable.
The Mission said the opening of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council was an opportunity to amplify the voices of victims and survivors of the conflict.
It said the council had a mandate to address violations of human rights and international humanitarian law arising from conflicts, including what Tehran described as deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure and targets in Iran.
Saudi Arabia's energy ministry has said that a number of energy facilities and utilities in the kingdom's southern region have been attacked by Yemen's Houthis, causing fires at several sites and temporarily halting some operations.
Attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis injured 73 people, including women and children, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has said.
The Houthis attacked the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, according to Al-Maliki. He said that the attacks constituted a “dangerous escalation.”
The coalition will respond firmly to the attacks that targeted civilian and economic entities, he added.
The world is facing an “industrial catastrophe" due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari has told U.S. news outlet CNN.
Al-Ansari said that the weaponisation of waterways couldn't be allowed to become the new normal in conflicts, adding that the method needed to be killed “in its infancy.”
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed on Monday, data from ship tracking firm Kpler showed, with just seven vessels sailing through the waterway, versus eight on the previous day.
Meanwhile, Dr. Moshen Rezaee, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council warned that economic warfare would be met by a “maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf" to the edge of the U.S. naval blockade.
Follow for updates from the Middle East conflict throughout the day.
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Overnight Iranian strikes on an air base in Jordan damaged multiple U.S. aircraft and left one without a wing, American media reported. Meanwhile, explosions were heard across parts of southern Iran according to local media reports.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the weekend BRICS summit, amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, joining a host of foreign dignitaries.
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil refinery in Siberia and a seaport in Dagestan in the past 24 hours, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss air defences for Ukraine over winter.
A Russian strike on a gas station in Kyiv has killed two people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a statement on Telegram. In Russia, online marketplace Ozon has suspended operations in Saratov, southwestern Russia, following a drone strike on a warehouse in the region.
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks drew the U.S. into Afghanistan, the Taliban is seeking a new relationship with Washington built on diplomacy, investment and trade, despite deep divisions between the former enemies.
Uzbekistan plans to introduce a new Heritage Impact Assessment system to shield historic cities and cultural heritage sites from the potential impact of construction and infrastructure development. Digital tools will also be used to manage tourist numbers and limit visitors where necessary.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Gates Foundation, with talks spanning polio eradication, health, financial inclusion and digital development.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the weekend BRICS summit, amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, joining a host of foreign dignitaries.
Georgia’s top security official has held face-to-face talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart in China, with both sides pledging to deepen intelligence cooperation amid growing global security challenges.
More than 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated last week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday, warning that the number is rising “by the hour”.
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