The war in West Asia escalated sharply on Wednesday as Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers. The strikes marked the most intense attacks on commercial shipping by the two sides since the six-month-old conflict began.

The attacks pushed global oil prices higher. Benchmark Brent crude futures crossed $100 a barrel for the first time since July. At least one seafarer was killed in the attacks, while another remained missing.

The latest escalation came after nearly a month of relative calm. During that period, Washington had mainly focused on pressuring Tehran through economic measures rather than direct military action against shipping.

Iran also reported launching ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan. Jordan said its forces intercepted 18 missiles, while two others landed in unpopulated areas without causing casualties. A US official confirmed that all American troops at the base were accounted for.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that it would sharply increase its response if the US carried out further attacks. The force also said Iran would soon release maps showing a newly expanded maritime exclusion zone. The proposed zone would extend as far as Chabahar, on India's western neighbour Pakistan's coast.

The developments have increased uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption in the area could put further pressure on oil markets and international shipping.

US President Donald Trump accused Tehran of trying to influence the November US midterm elections. The elections will determine whether his Republican Party retains control of Congress.

"I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can't hold out any longer. They're desperate to try and affect the election," Trump told reporters.

However, The Wall Street Journal reported later on Wednesday that senior White House advisers had privately warned Trump that the war could continue for the rest of his presidency. The advisers reportedly included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump's current term ends in January 2029.

The conflict is also expanding across other parts of the region. Fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen has intensified in recent days, adding another active front to the wider regional crisis.

The Yemen conflict has further raised concerns about the safety of energy supplies from the Middle East. The latest attacks near Hormuz now come amid growing military activity across several fronts, putting additional pressure on global energy markets and maritime security.