Oil tops $100 a barrel as US-Iran attacks threaten shipping through Strait of Hormuz

US Destroys Iranian Tankers Amid Escalation [0:00]

• Global oil prices have reached $100 a barrel following increased conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
• The U.S. military reports destroying five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf.
• These strikes are a response to recent ballistic missile attacks by Iran's Revolutionary Guard targeting a U.S. Navy vessel.

  "The U.S. military says it's destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf."

Iran Claims Attacks on US Warships Failed [0:00]

• CENTCOM stated that the U.S. warship evaded Iran's missile attacks and no personnel were harmed.
• The U.S. asserts that crews on the Iranian vessels were ordered to abandon ship before the attacks.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning to Iran against further attacks.

  "And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers."

Iran's Claims Rejected, Attacks on Jordan [0:00]

• Central Command refuted Iran's Revolutionary Guard claim of targeting two U.S. Navy destroyers, stating no American warships were hit.
• Iran also claimed to have attacked a U.S. military base in Jordan, with missile interceptions observed near Erbid.
• Jordan reported downing 18 of the 20 missiles launched toward its territory.

  "Missile interceptions were seen near the city of Erbid, about 70 kilometres north of Oman."

Iran Condemns US Actions, Threatens Retaliation [0:00]

• Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. attacks on its tankers as a dangerous escalation and threat to peace.
• Iran stated it reserves the right to self-defense and will respond to aggression.
• The ministry called for UN mediation and emphasized preserving the right to self-defense, framing the U.S. as the aggressor.

  "Iran will not hesitate to exercise their inherent right of self-defence and will resolutely respond as appropriate to any military aggression by the enemy."

Expanded Maritime Restrictions Planned [0:00]

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced plans to implement a maritime restricted area extending from Chabahar into the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
• This move expands the conflict zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran cited U.S. Navy vessels sailing in prohibited areas as justification for its attacks.

  "So now, shortly, probably within a couple of days, we will be discussing different projects of Iran and the United States for the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings."

Merchant Vessels Under Attack in Gulf Waters [0:00]

• A British maritime monitoring agency reported several merchant vessels attacked in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
• Reports indicate vessels were hit by disabling fire during military activity.
• An incident was reported 28 nautical miles southeast of Al-Faw, Iraq, where a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile.

  "The master of a tanker reported being struck by an unknown projectile."

Traffic Halts in Strait of Hormuz [0:00]

• The escalating conflict has caused a near halt in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways.
• Vessel traffic has significantly decreased from 100-140 crossings daily before the conflict to single digits.
• Iran has warned crews of tankers near Kuwait and Bahrain, accusing these countries of complicity with U.S. forces.

  "But in the past 24 hours, on a day like today, we are unlikely to see the flow of any traffic through the Strait of Hormuz."

Global Economic Impact [0:00]

• The ongoing conflict and constriction of waterways have reverberated globally, pushing oil prices over $100 a barrel.
• Iran's intention to continue constricting space in international waterways is evident.

  "And this obviously reverberates right around the world now with oil prices over US$100 a barrel."