The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Tuesday that it killed a large number of US forces in an attack on an American base in Jordan. ^[1] The US Central Command stated on Tuesday at 1600 GMT that it began attacking targets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran. ^[2] The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) press service said on September 2 that two tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iran's approval struck mines, exploded, stopped, and were engulfed in flames. ^[3] On 2026-09-02, US forces launched fresh strikes on targets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran. ^[4] The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Wednesday that two tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz, causing fires that forced the crews to abandon the vessels. ^[5] On 2026-09-02, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US is considering expanding sanctions against airlines, aircraft leasing companies, maritime companies, digital assets, entities doing business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Iranian financial institutions. ^[6] US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in early September 2026 that pressure on Iran could lead the Iranian public to rise up against the regime or cause the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to turn against itself, citing 100% inflation, queues, the military not being paid, and a panicked central bank governor. ^[7] As of the time of reporting, neither the United States nor Jordan has confirmed the IRGC's claimed attack on a US base in Jordan or the reported casualties. ^[8] Oil prices have increased by more than 45% since the beginning of the year amid the escalation of tensions. ^[9] Oil prices rose further after the news, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumping to nearly US$90 per barrel. ^[10] The US military stated that the attacks were a response to recent attempts by the IRGC to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and US military members deployed in the region. ^[11] The IRGC statement said the two tankers disembarked their crews and were handed over to American agents for passage along an illegal route 'at the instigation of the US Army' before hitting mines. ^[12]