Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for an attack on what they described as a U.S. base in Jordan, citing retaliation for U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers, according to Iranian state media.

Claim and context

The announcement came from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, who framed the strike as a direct response to what they characterised as U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers. The claim was carried by Iranian state media, with no immediate confirmation from Jordan.

No Jordanian confirmation

As of the time of the report, Jordanian authorities had not confirmed the alleged attack on their territory. The absence of independent verification means the details of the incident, including its scope and impact, remain unconfirmed outside Iranian state media reporting.

U.S. Central Command confirmed Saturday that American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers in retaliation for an attack on U.S. Navy warships. Two vessels were disabled near Kharg Island, while a third was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman.

Strike Details and Retaliation

CENTCOM stated that the strikes followed multiple unprovoked attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. American forces permanently disabled the IRGC-linked tankers M/T Downy off Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask.

The unladen carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship. CNN reported verified audio showing a U.S. military aircraft issuing repeated warnings to the vessel before the strike, instructing the crew to get into lifeboats immediately.

Conflicting Accounts and Context

Hours before the U.S. confirmation, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a tanker near Kharg Island’s anchorage was hit by four U.S. missiles. Tasnim specified the strike occurred four miles from Kharg Island. The agency claimed there were no casualties and that the crew had evacuated. Iranian authorities had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.

The incident occurs days after President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video on August 31 claiming Kharg Island was being blown to smithereens. Tehran dismissed this claim, though Iranian officials have vowed a strong response to any attack on the island.

Impact on Oil Exports

Kharg Island is critical to global energy markets, handling roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports. The terminal has a loading capacity of about 7 million barrels per day, with most cargoes historically bound for China and India.

Exports through the terminal have already been constrained by a U.S. naval blockade in place since mid-April. Data from Kpler and Windward cited by outlets this week showed that loading operations at Kharg had largely halted. Vessel traffic near the island is at its lowest level in over a month.