According to the official state news agency IRNA and regional military statements, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a heavy missile strike on the Al-Azraq military base in Jordan on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The Iranian military stated the operation targeted facilities used to maintain and deploy U.S. F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers.
Jordanian Air Defense Intercepts Iranian Missiles
Jordanian military authorities reported that their air defense systems engaged 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward the kingdom on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. According to the official military statement cited by AFP, defense batteries successfully intercepted and destroyed 18 of the incoming projectiles, while two missiles landed in uninhabited areas without causing casualties.
Did you know? According to reporting by Republika, Israeli media outlet Channel 14 reported that more than 50 Patriot interceptor missiles were launched from the Zarqa base in Jordan to counter the incoming Iranian barrage.
U.S. Central Command Destroys Iranian Oil Tankers
Prior to the strike in Jordan, U.S. forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers following repeated missile attacks on U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf region. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), forces targeted three crude oil tankers on Saturday, September 5, 2026, after Iran attempted to strike an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.
Reporting by Arina.id identified specific vessels targeted in the Gulf Oman and near Kharg Island, including the M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco, and M/T Derya. CENTCOM stated that American forces ordered the vessel crews to evacuate before the ships were struck and rendered inoperable.
Contrasting Accounts of the Regional Escalation
While CENTCOM maintained that all Iranian attempts against U.S. Navy warships failed and that no American personnel were injured, Iranian state media and the IRGC framed their missile operations differently. The IRGC asserted that its strikes on the Al-Azraq base and naval assets caused significant damage to American military infrastructure, vowing that confrontations will continue until U.S. attacks on Iranian assets stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Iran target the Al-Azraq military base in Jordan?
According to the IRGC, the missile strike on Al-Azraq was a retaliatory action for U.S. military strikes that destroyed multiple Iranian oil tankers in the region.
How many missiles did Jordan intercept?
According to the Jordanian military, air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 18 out of 20 ballistic missiles launched from Iran on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Did U.S. forces suffer any casualties during the maritime clashes?
According to CENTCOM, no American personnel were injured during the exchanges, and all Iranian attempts to target U.S. warships failed.
Explore More: Stay informed on ongoing developments in the Middle East by subscribing to our newsletter or checking our latest updates on regional security and energy markets.