U.S. military destroys 5 Iranian oil tankers. And, the Smithsonian head resigns

US Strikes Iran Oil Tankers, Israeli Settlements Sanctions, Smithsonian Head Retires Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories U.S. Central Command announced that it destroyed five Iranian oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran's Kharg Island yesterday. In retaliation, Iran targeted U.S. troops stationed at an air base in Jordan. Since Saturday, the U.S. has struck eight Iranian crude tankers as part of its efforts to weaken Iran's economic lifeline. Turmoil from this war has pushed Brent crude oil prices back above $100 a barrel today. An aerial view shows the sprawling BP refinery on Sept. 8, 2026, in Whiting, Indiana. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Scott Olson/Getty Images 🎧 The U.S.' strategy in the region is unclear, as there's little discussion around the future of U.S. military presence there, NPR's Aya Batrawy tells Up First. Reducing troop levels could signal weakness to Iran and adversaries like Russia and China. Gulf states initially established U.S. bases as a deterrent, but they h...