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U.S. Strikes Iranian Tankers as Oil Prices Surge Amid Regional Conflict

The Biden administration hits back after Iranian aggression, while the regime threatens global shipping lanes.

Foreign PolicyPublished September 9, 2026 at 4:46 PM
An aerial view shows vapour rising from a refinery at BP's largest crude oil processing facility in the world, taken in Indiana on 8 September.

Global energy markets are feeling the heat as the U.S. military takes decisive action against Iranian aggression. Brent crude hit $100 a barrel on Wednesday following a series of retaliatory strikes by U.S. forces against five Iranian oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation, confirmed by U.S.

Central Command, came after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles at an American warship twice in two days. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the administration's stance clear, stating that for every attempt Iran makes to target U.S. naval assets, they will lose tankers in return.

While the IRGC has attempted to project strength by claiming attacks on U.S. destroyers—claims the Pentagon has dismissed as false—the regime is now resorting to threats against international shipping, declaring a 'prohibited zone' in the Arabian Sea.

The escalation extends beyond the Gulf, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels launching drone and missile attacks on Saudi energy facilities, further destabilizing the region and driving up costs for motorists worldwide.

As the conflict intensifies, the reality remains that Iran’s persistent hostility toward commercial shipping and U.S. forces is the primary driver of this economic volatility. The U.S. military continues to prioritize the safety of its personnel and the security of vital maritime corridors, refusing to be intimidated by the regime's reckless posturing.

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foreign-policyiranoil-pricesmiddle-eastnational-security

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