On
September 9, Iran announced a ballistic missile strike on the USS George
Washington from 500 kilometers away during Operation Ramadan, claiming it
forced U.S. warships to retreat 400 kilometers from its coast.
U.S. Central Command countered that its warship evaded two Iranian missile attacks unharmed, then struck five Iranian crude oil tankers after crews abandoned them.
Explosions rocked southern Iran near Qeshm Island, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas, driving Brent crude over $100 a barrel and U.S. diesel to record $5.94 per gallon, with both sides warning of more action ahead.