Pakistan, Sept. 9 -- Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers. The strikes marked the largest declared exchange of shipping attacks since the six-month war began. The escalation threatens vital energy routes and has pushed oil prices sharply higher.

The IRGC said it targeted two US vessels and eight oil tankers crossing the restricted area. Iran also launched ballistic missiles toward a base used by US forces near Al Azraq in eastern Jordan. The US military said its tanker strikes followed two Iranian missile attacks on a US Navy warship.

US Central Command released video showing several Iranian tankers burning before sinking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wo...