Iran fires missiles at US bases in Jordan after US attack; what warning Marco Rubio issued?
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated once again. On Tuesday (September 8), the US military attacked five oil tankers linked to Iran. A few hours later, Iran fired 20 ballistic missiles toward a US military base in Jordan.
According to CENTCOM, the US targeted four oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island.
The US claimed that the five targeted tankers were part of a multi-billion-dollar "shadow network" that raises funds for Iran's Revolutionary Guard and its allies.
The US military stated that the crews of the tankers were instructed to abandon ship prior to the attack.
Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at US warships
Following the US attack, the Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at US warships on Wednesday morning.
Iranian sources have released several video clips related to the first wave of missile attacks on Jordan; some of these show the moments when "Iranian missiles pierced air defense systems and struck their targets directly."
In a post on X, the Iranian news agency IRNA stated, "The IRGC said it targeted hangars housing F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets, as well as staging areas, aircraft shelters, and parking zones."
Jordanian military claimed its air defense system shot down 18 missiles
The Jordanian military claimed that its air defense system shot down 18 missiles, while two landed in uninhabited areas.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that Iran had attempted to target a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice in the past two days. In response, the US military attacked oil tankers linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran claimed it attacked 10 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
Following the US attack, Iran claimed to have attacked 10 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including two US ships and eight oil tankers. Iran stated that these vessels were passing through restricted waters. Iran also claimed to have captured a US submarine drone.
According to CENTCOM, Iran attempted to target a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles; however, the US warship successfully thwarted the missile attack.
CENTCOM reported that no US personnel were harmed in the incident, and the US warship continues to patrol the region. The US military states that the action taken against the five oil tankers was in response to these attacks by Iran.
Speaking to reporters in Colombia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an open warning to Iran. He stated that any attempt to attack US naval vessels would be met with a response, and that similar actions by the US could occur in the future.