According to a Monday Wall Street Journal report citing data from maritime platform Kpler, Iranian oil exports have declined since a US naval blockade was reinstated in mid-July, with shipments falling from an estimated 90 million barrels to approximately 29 million barrels.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that no Iranian crude cargoes have transited the Strait of Hormuz to China since the blockade began, though he characterized the situation with a "Jaws" graphic alongside data on falling exports and currency values.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed Wednesday that missiles struck the Al-Azraq air base in Jordan, with state media reporting damage to maintenance and deployment facilities; however, Jordanian forces announced they intercepted 18 incoming missiles.

This incident followed US military strikes on five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, a move the US cited as a response to previous Iranian attacks on a US warship, intensifying a broader conflict that has already seen both sides target critical shipping routes.

U.S. Central Command announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8, that it destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers, which officials stated were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and targeted in retaliation for recent attacks on U.S. Navy vessels.

Military authorities reported issuing warnings to crews prior to the strikes, though the status of personnel aboard the vessels remains unconfirmed, and Iranian leaders have not issued an immediate public response. These incidents follow a broader escalation since Aug.

30, which includes previous U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers and reported Iranian missile attacks on U.S. air bases in Jordan.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and cease hostilities, citing concerns over escalating violence and reported impacts on civilian infrastructure. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 27 people have been killed in the region over the past three days.