U.S. Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers as Iran Retaliates With Missile Attack on Jordan

In the ancient rhythm of action and consequence, the United States struck five Iranian oil tankers in international waters on Tuesday, citing threats to an American warship, while Iran answered by launching missiles at Jordan — a deliberate widening of the circle of harm. What began as a bilateral confrontation in the Persian Gulf has now touched a neighboring ally, raising the oldest of strategic questions: where does retaliation end, and escalation begin? The world watches a familiar cycle turn, uncertain whether wisdom or momentum will determine what comes next.