United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps escalated hostilities in the Middle East on Wednesday, as Iranian forces launched coordinated strikes on American military and naval assets in response to United States attacks on Iranian oil tankers, deepening the US–Iran conflict escalates crisis around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the operation targeted at least 20 United States vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, while also striking the Al-Azraq air base in Jordan.
Also read: Full List: 50+ banks, apps selling Dangote shares
Iranian state media described the action as a “punitive operation” that damaged key facilities, although Jordan’s military reported intercepting 18 incoming missiles.
The United States military confirmed earlier strikes on five Iranian oil tankers, stating that crews had been warned to evacuate before the vessels were hit.
Speaking during a visit to Colombia, Marco Rubio said, “Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships, and for every time they do that, they are going to lose tankers.”
The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in a six-month confrontation that began in February, when Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow passage typically handles close to 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it a critical artery for the world economy.
Markets reacted swiftly to the renewed tensions.
Brent crude rose to 99.46 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate reached 94.45 dollars, reflecting mounting concern over disrupted supply routes.
Analysts say the price surge underscores the fragile balance between geopolitical risk and global energy demand.
Iranian officials also warned that oil tankers linked to United States allies, including Kuwait and Bahrain, could be targeted.
Tehran has insisted that vessels must seek permission and pay transit fees to navigate the strait, a move widely criticised by Washington and its partners as unlawful.
A secondary but notable development emerged as Iran claimed it had seized an advanced unmanned United States submarine drone in the region.
The United States dismissed the claim, describing the device as an older model that malfunctioned and carried no sensitive data.
The conflict has steadily intensified despite earlier diplomatic efforts. In recent months, indirect talks mediated by regional actors failed to produce a ceasefire, while both sides have continued to exchange threats and limited strikes.
Observers warn that the current trajectory raises the risk of a broader regional confrontation involving neighbouring states.
Iran’s army chief, Ali Abdollahi, had earlier cautioned that any attack on Iranian oil infrastructure would trigger retaliation against United States bases across the Middle East.
Wednesday’s developments suggest that warning is now being acted upon with increasing force.
While neither side has indicated willingness to de-escalate, international pressure is growing for restraint.
Also read: Full List: 50+ banks, apps selling Dangote shares
The unfolding situation presents a high-stakes test for global diplomacy, with significant implications for energy markets, regional stability, and civilian safety.
