# U.S. Sinks Iranian Tankers as Gulf Conflict Escalates

> Military strikes and retaliation between the U.S. and Iran threaten global oil supplies and risk full-scale war in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Title: U.S. Sinks Iranian Tankers as Gulf Conflict Escalates · NPR
- Summary: Military strikes and retaliation between the U.S. and Iran threaten global oil supplies and risk full-scale war in the Strait of Hormuz. The military clash…
- Keywords: middle east, iran, us military, oil prices, news, Sinks, Iranian, Tankers, Gulf, Conflict, Escalates, NPR
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/09/nx-s1-5962641/us-destroy-iranian-oil-tankers
- Published: 2026-09-09T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: middle east, iran, us military, oil prices, news
## U.S. sinks five Iranian oil tankers
The U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at an American warship.
## Iran targets U.S. bases in Jordan
Iranian forces responded by launching 20 ballistic missiles toward U.S. military bases in Jordan. Jordanian air defense systems intercepted 18 of the missiles, preventing casualties.
## Washington expands economic sanctions
The Trump administration targeted more than two dozen airlines and cargo service providers with new sanctions, aiming to isolate Tehran economically alongside direct strikes.
## Oil prices surge near 100 dollars
Crude prices briefly climbed near $99 a barrel as both nations fight for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a bottleneck where one-fifth of global oil once passed.
## U.S. vows to destroy more tankers
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear that every attempted strike on U.S. Navy ships will cost Tehran its remaining oil fleet, signaling an explicit strategy of economic destruction.

> Iran continues to try to hit U.S. naval ships. And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers.
## Iran warns ships in Gulf ports
Tehran's Revolutionary Guard warned oil tanker crews near ports in Kuwait and Bahrain to evacuate immediately, claiming those countries host and assist American forces.
## Experts warn of uncontrollable escalation
Military analysts warn that airstrikes cannot solve the shipping blockade, warning that tit-for-tat retaliation risks spiraling into an uncontrollable wider war.

> Every attempt to impose one only brings Washington and Tehran closer to an escalation that may become increasingly difficult to control.
## Key takeaway

The military clash in the Strait of Hormuz is converting a regional blockade into a dangerous cycle of economic and military retaliation.