US targets Iranian oil tankers in major escalation of campaign to cripple Tehran’s economy
U.S. Central Command carried out strikes near Iran’s Kharg Island and Jask on Tuesday, targeting crude oil tankers as part of a broader campaign to squeeze Tehran economically and after Iran attempted attacks on a U.S. warship, officials told Fox News.
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Rubio warns Iran will ‘lose tankers’ for attempts to strike US naval ships
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that the U.S. will continue targeting Iranian oil tankers in response to ongoing attacks on American naval ships.
“Iran continues to try to hit U.S. naval ships,” Rubio told reporters in Colombia.
“And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers.”
“And I think you'll see that again today,” he added, referring to U.S. strikes on five Iranian tankers in the region Tuesday.
Iran missile attacks on US military assets send oil prices surging for fourth straight session
Oil prices rose for a fourth consecutive session, gaining more than $1 in early trading in Asia Wednesday after Iran launched fresh attacks on U.S. military assets in the Gulf, Reuters reported.
Brent crude futures rose $1.57, or 1.6%, to $99.49 a barrel by 12:01 a.m. GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.60, or 1.72%, to $94.63 a barrel.
Brent prices have climbed about 25% since early August as hopes for an end to the war faded and Iran and the U.S. continued trading strikes, the outlet said.
Jordan destroys 18 of 20 Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward country, military says
The Jordanian Armed Forces said Tuesday that the country’s air defense systems intercepted 20 ballistic missiles launched toward Jordanian territory.
“18 of them were successfully intercepted and destroyed, while two missiles fell in areas free of population gatherings,” a spokesperson said, according to state media.
No casualties were reported, according to Reuters.
Performers pull out of comedy festival after Jerry Seinfeld named headliner
Several performers have withdrawn from a Portuguese comedy festival after it was announced that Jewish-American comedian Jerry Seinfeld was headlining, The Times of Israel reported Tuesday.
The Lisbon International Humor Festival is scheduled for Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and is expected to mark Seinfeld’s live debut in Portugal.
Several artists who pulled out made indirect references to the comedian, but none explicitly cited his views on Israel.
Seinfeld had traveled to Israel in December 2023, months after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and met with freed hostages and families of those in captive while later calling the trip “the most powerful experience” of his life.
Iranian tankers hit by US forces moved 45M barrels of oil since 2019, TankerTrackers says
The five Iranian oil tankers struck by U.S. forces Tuesday near Kharg Island and Jask have exported 45 million barrels of Iranian crude oil and refined products since May 2019, TankerTrackers said Tuesday.
The maritime firm named the tankers as CHARMINAR (9318022), KAVIZ (9282041), HORIZON 1 (9130456), RIESCO (9251822) and the empty National Iranian Tanker Company's very large crude carrier, or VLCC, supertanker DERYA (9569700).
U.S. forces struck the tankers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after attempted Iranian attacks on a U.S. warship, U.S. Central Command said.
Iran fires cluster munitions at Jordan as US military disables 10 Iranian oil tankers
Iran fired at Jordan Tuesday, using cluster munitions, a U.S. official told Fox News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin, who also reported that the attack was ongoing.
The U.S. military has disabled 10 Iranian oil tankers in the past week, including five Tuesday, the official said.
This came as Jordanian air defenses also reportedly intercepted a wave of missiles launched from Iran, according to Reuters.
Citing Iranian state media, the outlet reported that multiple ballistic missiles were fired from several cities toward what Iranian media described as hostile U.S. targets.
Syria has also intercepted missiles from Iran over Jordan’s border city of Irbid, Syrian state TV reported, according to Al Jazeera.
US forces destroy 5 Iranian oil tankers after Tehran targets American warship, CENTCOM says
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that its forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after the IRGC targeted a Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days.
The warship successfully evaded the attempted attacks and continued patrolling regional waters. No U.S. personnel were injured, CENTCOM said.
“In response to Iran’s most recent failed attacks, CENTCOM destroyed the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, as well as M/T Derya near Kharg Island,” the command said.
U.S. forces directed the crews to abandon the vessels before striking them and rendering them inoperable, CENTCOM said.
“Iran has used the tankers as part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Iran has no means by which to defend these vessels,” the command said.
On Sept. 5, CENTCOM forces also destroyed three Iranian crude oil carriers after the IRGC attempted to attack a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.
“All IRGC attempts against U.S. Navy warships have failed,” CENTCOM confirmed.
South Korea discusses Hormuz role with France, says no troop deployment decision
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung discussed the Strait of Hormuz with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, with the talks focused on contributions to ensure security and freedom of navigation — not troop deployments, according to Reuters.
South Korea’s national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, also said that Iran had asked for an explanation over reports that South Korea could participate in efforts involving the Strait of Hormuz.
His comments came as South Korea dispatched an inspection team to assess the security situation in the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that any South Korean military participation in the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, or presence in operations, would be viewed as support for U.S. “aggression” and would have serious consequences.
IRGC urges 'immediate' vessel evacuation in Kuwait, Bahrain ports, warns of ‘legitimate targets’
Iran's IRGC Navy warned all crew members aboard oil tankers in the vicinity of Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports that host Americans to evacuate Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing state media.
According to a statement from Iran's state news agency, the IRGC said that due to hostile U.S. military actions against Iranian vessels, any ships in those ports, whether anchored or docked, must be evacuated immediately, as they will be considered "legitimate targets."
US forces strike 'multiple' Iranian tankers tied to IRGC after attempted attack on Navy warship
U.S. forces struck multiple Iranian tankers tied to the IRGC on Tuesday after an attempted missile attack on a U.S. Navy warship, an official told Fox News.
The official also confirmed that U.S. strikes were ongoing.
Iran had fired at least one ballistic missile at a warship on Monday, the official said. The warship was not struck, but the U.S. military wanted to send a message to Iran that it cannot target U.S. forces.
Fox News' Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.
Iran threatens ships in Kuwait, Bahrain with retaliation over US attacks on oil tankers
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned Tuesday that ships in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports hosting U.S. forces could be targeted in retaliation for American attacks on Iranian oil tankers.
The IRGC Navy also urged crews to evacuate, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media and reported by Reuters.
The chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, Ali Abdollahi, said any hostile action against ships would also prompt Iranian attacks on U.S. military bases across the region, according to a statement shared on X by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
US forces strike near Iran's Kharg Island, Jask as explosions reported, oil tankers targeted
The targets included Iranian tankers, a U.S. official told Fox News.
Tuesday's strikes are part of a larger effort to squeeze Iran economically, the official said, with the targets including Iranian crude oil tankers that U.S. forces sought to sink or disable.
The Iranian economy relies heavily on crude oil exports, the official said, adding that the strikes targeting Iranian tankers are "part of that pressure campaign."
More than 20 Iranian tankers were in the vicinity of Kharg Island earlier on Tuesday, TankerTrackers Sam Madani told Fox News' Lauren Simonetti.
Explosions were heard around Kharg Island, Reuters reported, citing Iran’s Mehr News Agency.
Separately, Reuters reported that explosions were heard in Jask, citing Iran’s Fars News Agency.
At first, Iranian state media said the origin of the explosions and the extent of any damage were unknown near the port area of Kharg Island and off the coast of Jask.
A ballistic missile was also reportedly launched from Jask.
Fox News' Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.
Iran says Washington failed to achieve its aims through war, mocks sanctions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Washington on Tuesday, accusing the U.S. of waging war on behalf of Israel while dismissing U.S. economic pressure as a failed policy.
“After 47 years of sanctions, the U.S. went to war with Iran on behalf of Israel,” Araghchi said in a post shared on X.
“The fallout has been disastrous for America, including its standing worldwide,” he added.
“After failing to achieve its aims through sanctions or war, Washington’s ‘novel’ solution is…more sanctions. Seriously?” Araghchi said.
Israel hits UK with countermeasures, closes Jerusalem consulate amid sanctions
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced countermeasures Tuesday to new sanctions announced by U.K. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, which Saar described as the latest in two years of unilateral moves against Israel.
“The British Consulate in Jerusalem - will be closed,” he said in a post shared on X.
He also said that British representatives will be expelled from the international aid center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat and that British activity in training Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank will be halted.
“Entry into the country of 12 elected officials and British citizens involved in anti-Israel and antisemitic activities will be denied,” he said before adding that Israel’s message to any government that harms it is clear: “ whoever acts against Israel - Israel will act against him, and he will lose his influence and relevance in the region.”
“Moves against Israel will not go unanswered,” he warned.
Iran touts upgraded ballistic missile, warns of preemptive action against threats
Iran claimed Sept. 7 that it had tested a new missile, The Associated Press reported, citing state media.
According to comments by Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the ballistic missile, which he said has improved capabilities, was also demonstrating a new doctrine for Tehran in that it “will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out.”
Rezaei also boasted the missile capability had been “tested” against a U.S. warship.
The U.S. said Saturday that ballistic missiles were launched at U.S. warships, after which it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response, The Associated Press reported
Tehran still has capabilities to pose a serious threat: ex-Pentagon official
Former Pentagon official Brent Sadler discussed rising geopolitical risks including Iran's continued threats in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
Iranian officials have shown no signs of backing down despite weeks of ramped up economic pressure from the U.S., in addition to multiple military strikes.
Iranian airlines hit with new US sanctions as Tehran's economy limps
The U.S. announced fresh sanctions targeting Iranian airlines on Tuesday as President Donald Trump's administration continues its efforts to strangle Tehran's economy.
The sanctions come after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast" at the end of august, which seeks to force Iran to make concessions through an unprecedented wave of sanctions.
Iran-backed attacks threaten a second major oil chokepoint as new risk emerges for US consumers
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck Saudi Arabia with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones Tuesday, hitting multiple energy targets, including the facilities of the world's largest oil company.
The attacks on Aramco, the state-owned national oil company of Saudi Arabia that produces 10 million barrels of oil per day, threaten to tighten pressure on a second critical oil route as the Middle East war continues to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Aramco notably supplies roughly 10% of the world's total oil demand. And attacks on its facilities raise the risk of higher oil, shipping and transportation costs that could hit U.S. consumers in coming months — just in time for the 2026 midterm elections.
The attacks hit the southern Saudi Arabian cities of Jazan, Najran, Abha and Khamis Mushait, wounding 73 people and sparking fires at energy facilities and utilities that temporarily forced some operations to stop, according to Saudi officials. The Jazan site includes a refinery capable of processing roughly 400,000 barrels of crude per day, according to the Associated Press.
Tuesday's strikes land at a particularly vulnerable moment for global energy markets. With oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced, Saudi Arabia has redirected more crude toward the Red Sea — increasing the importance of the Bab el-Mandeb, where the Houthis have already threatened and attacked Saudi-linked shipping.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that just 4.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum liquids moved through Hormuz per day in the second quarter of 2026, down from 21.6 million barrels per day before the conflict. Before the conflict 20% of the world's oil moved through the consequential waterway.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Morgan Phillips.
Navy SEALs detonated Iranian mines in Strait of Hormuz: Report
Lexington Institute Vice President Rebecca Grant discussed the U.S. effort to demine the Strait of Hormuz while keeping the blockade in place on "Fox News Live."
Netanyahu’s blunt message to Iran: ‘Do not mess with us’
Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren told "Fox News Live" Israel is prepared to "go all out" in another conflict with Iran as Netanyahu issues yet another warning to the leaders in Tehran.
US rebuilding weapons stockpile could delay orders from allies
The U.S. has for years been the top weapons supplier in the world. Over the past five years, arms exports have gone to nearly 100 countries.
"These weapons are sought after around the world because we have the best weapons," said War Department Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey.
The Trump administration says some of the U.S. stockpile depletion is because of the weapons given to Ukraine. The Center for Strategic and International Studies assesses those transfers have been a minor factor in the shrinking U.S. inventories except for one important tool – the Patriot Missile Defense System.
"We've maxed out the production lines now, and that process began during the Ukraine War when it was clear that modern conflict was going to require a lot more munitions than we had been planning on," said Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marine colonel and senior advisor with the CSIS Defense and Security Department.
Between 2021 and 2025, Ukraine was the largest recipient of major arms around the world, with at least 36 countries supplying weapons. The U.S. was the top supplier over the five-year time period, accounting for 41% of Ukrainian arms imports.
Before Russia’s war in Ukraine began in 2022, CSIS estimates the U.S. had around 2,200 Patriot missiles in its inventory. Estimates show around 600 missiles were given to Ukraine, with a few of those possibly coming from U.S. allies. Deliveries of new production outpaced the number given to Ukraine, with an estimated 2,300 missiles in the U.S. Patriot inventory before the Iran conflict began. It’s estimated that around 36% of Patriot Interceptors remain from the pre-Iran war inventory.
"As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, my job is to sign off on all foreign military weapons and sales to countries like Israel, to countries, like Taiwan and Ukraine, for that matter. And when we can't deliver on that promise because we can't make those weapons fast enough, it hurts our alliances, it hurts allies' ability to protect themselves," said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Bret Baier and Amy Munneke.
Trump says Iran has 'no chance' of getting nuclear weapon during 9/11 event
President Donald Trump reaffirmed that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon under his watch on Tuesday.
Trump made the statement during a White House event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
"We're right now fighting because we have a certain nation that wanted a nuclear weapon, they were very close to getting it, and now they have no chance at getting it," Trump said. "They will never have a nuclear weapon. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."
Trump went on to praise members of the U.S. military who are enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran as the conflict continues.
Escalating tensions as Iran feels economic squeeze from sanctions
Hudson Institute senior fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs joined "America's Newsroom" to discuss the latest on the escalation with Tehran on Tuesday.
She said U.S. sanctions and blockades have placed a severe economic squeeze on Iran, causing the country's oil dollars to dry up.
Iran announces plan for 'exclusion zone' in Strait of Hormuz
Iran announced plans to impose "maritime exclusion zone" across the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to sanction any trade vessel that enters the region.
Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announced the plan during an appearance on Iranian state television.
"In recent days, Washington has received a clear warning from Iran’s new missiles. Economic warfare will be met by a maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf to the blockade perimeter. The operational posture toward U.S. warships and bases has been fundamentally recalibrated," Rezaei said.
Iranian president vows continued resistance, says US will be brought to 'complete regret'
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed continued resistance against the U.S. on Tuesday, writing on X that the U.S. will "regret" the war.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always opposed war and has considered the preservation of the people's interests and regional security to lie in refraining from igniting conflict," Pezeshkian wrote.
"However, just as it has boldly risen to defend against aggression up to this day, it will continue this resistance with full strength until the aggressors are brought to complete regret and will remain the guardian of the rights of the great Iranian nation," he added.
Bessent predicts oil prices could drop as low as $40 after Iran conflict ends
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted oil prices could fall to between $40 and $50 per barrel once the Iran conflict ends, arguing that abundant supply is poised to hit the market after constraints ease.
Bessent asserted that the American economy is "very strong" and even accelerating, saying that the country is experiencing a "productivity burst" during an interview on "My View with Lara Trump."
"On the other side of this, we actually could see oil prices $40 or $50 because there's so much supply coming on. It's just constricted right now," he told Fox News host Lara Trump.
"So my message is: Underlying economy is very strong. Job growth is strong. Wage growth is strong."
The "energy supply shock" is only temporary, Bessent said, calling the United States an "energy superpower" and a leader in artificial intelligence and global computing power.
"Americans, on average, are breaking even. Working-class Americans at the bottom of the wage spectrum are doing a little better than inflation, but we don't believe that that is acceptable," the Treasury chief said.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Max Bacall.
Republicans are feeling 'nervous' about midterms, expert says as Iran war drags on
A "Special Report" All-Star Panel discussed the competing priorities and political strategies shaping both parties as the country heads toward the pivotal 2026 midterm elections, examining the key races, messaging, voter turnout efforts and the issues expected to determine control of Congress.
The looming elections come as gas prices remain high thanks in large part to the war with Iran. President Donald Trump's administration has said that gas prices will drop once the conflict is resolved, but there is no end in sight.
UK moves to sanction Israeli settlements as PM Burnham risks clash with Trump: report
The United Kingdom is expected to announce restrictions targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, a move already drawing strong pushback Monday from U.S. and Israeli officials.
According to The Times, a US State Department said Washington was "tracking the plans closely."
The measures are expected to include an embargo on goods and some services involving West Bank settlements marking an escalation in London’s pressure on Israel under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has taken a firmer stance on the conflict, according to reports.
The announcement is expected to come a day after Burnham spoke by phone with President Donald Trump.
According to a No. 10 Downing Street readout of the call Monday, the two leaders discussed the Middle East, with Burnham highlighting the importance of a two-state solution which calls for an independent Palestinian state comprising the West Bank and Gaza Strip to exist alongside Israel.
"On the Middle East, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s commitment to working towards peace and security in the region, stressing the importance of the Two-State Solution," the spokesperson said.
The readout did not mention the planned sanctions. Bloomberg reported, however, that the timing of the call suggested Burnham may have briefed Trump on the measures targeting goods and services linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The move could create an early point of friction between Burnham and Washington, where the Trump administration has strongly backed Israel, the outlet said.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Emma Bussey.
Pakistani prime minister condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia: 'Cowardly'
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned a missile attack by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The strikes targeted multiple Saudi oil fields and injured over 70 people, Saudi officials say. Sharif called the attack "dastardly" and vowed to support the Saudis in a statement posted to X.
"I condemn in the strongest terms, the cowardly attack by Houthis targeting civilian and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have left many people injured," Sharif wrote.
"Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia," he continued.
"Such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and pray for the swift recovery of all those injured," he added.
Patriot missile shortage threatens US military alliances, Michael McCaul warns
Fox News' Bret Baier reported on the shrinking U.S. weapons stockpile as Patriot missile supplies continue to dwindle this week.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, warned that failing to deliver weapons on time weakens military alliances with partners like Taiwan and Ukraine.
Is the Iran-backed terrorist movement Hezbollah on the ropes in Lebanon?
With Israel’s stunning capture of the strategically valuable Ali al-Taher ridge in south Lebanon on Sunday, a major Hezbollah and Iran stronghold, the campaign to degrade Tehran’s so-called "Axis of Resistance" suffered a severe blow.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) triumph is not a death blow, it means that the Iranian-regime-backed Hezbollah terrorist movement lost one of its key offensive bases to plan an invasion of Israel.
IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, the founder and president of the Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center (Alma), told Fox News Digital that "In the past three years Israel has attacked Hezbollah against various areas, for instance, we degraded the amount of rockets and missiles."
She noted that the IDF has decimated 90% of Hezbollah’s rocket and missile arsenal. Zehavi said, "Today Hezbollah is holding between 10,000 to 15,000 rockets, which is much less than what it used to have. Most of the array of sophisticated missiles, accurate missiles and long-range missiles was either eliminated or neutralized."
She said, "The capability to launch an invasion of thousands of terrorists into Israel which was the plan, and this was the preparedness three years ago. This capability doesn't exist anymore since the IDF is based in South Lebanon along the borderline, preventing Hezbollah from coming back to those places."
In late August, Alma released a widely read analysis on: "Hezbollah – Situation Assessment: From a Large-Scale Terrorist Army to a Persistent Dispersed Threat."
Zehavi, who resides in northern Israel and has experienced Hezbollah’s massive aerial attacks into her region since the Lebanese terrorist movement joined Hamas in its war against Israel, warned that, "As long as Iran supports its main proxy, which is Hezbollah, it will be very difficult to prevent its rebuilding of its military capabilities and with everything that happened in Iran In the past year, Iran still supports Hezbollah."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Benjamin Weinthal.
US turns up heat on Iran with UN nuclear push as Tehran threatens retaliation: report
Washington is set to increase diplomatic pressure on Tehran within days with a proposed U.N. resolution demanding that Iran “urgently remedy its non-compliance” and restore access for nuclear inspections, Bloomberg reported Monday.
According to a two-page draft obtained by the outlet, the U.S. is also looking to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council over its moves to block International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring.
The resolution, backed by European members of the IAEA board, also highlights its support for a "diplomatic solution” and encourages “all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned Monday that Tehran would retaliate if the U.N. nuclear watchdog adopts the measures.
Baghaei had criticized European nations that were also backing the motion as "irrational," arguing that the war has made nuclear facilities inaccessible, Reuters reported.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that inspectors are locked out of Iran's nuclear sites, saying the agency has neither “received information from Iran regarding the status of its declared nuclear material or facilities nor had access to any of those facilities to conduct in-field verification activities.”
Fox News' Emma Bussey contributed to this report.
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