The United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian rocket launchers located on a small island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking its first military action against Iran in a month. The US military stated that the strikes were intended to prevent Iran from launching sea mines into the strait. Following the US strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported casualties and retaliated by targeting US military installations in Jordan, specifically the King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases, using ballistic missiles. The Iranian state media claimed that these attacks caused significant damage to US facilities.
The US Central Command confirmed that the airstrikes targeted two Iranian launchers on Larak Island after observing preparations for a rocket launch that included sea mines. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, noted that US forces are closely monitoring the area to ensure the free flow of commerce through the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil transport.
The recent exchange of strikes occurred as the US-Iran conflict reached the six-month mark, following a period of reduced hostilities. The Trump administration has shifted its focus towards economic measures against Iran, including a naval counterblockade aimed at Iranian ports, which has led to fuel shortages in Iran. Despite a ceasefire agreement in April and a memorandum of understanding signed in June, ongoing sporadic attacks have hindered progress toward a final peace deal.
Oil prices increased following the US strikes, with North Sea Brent crude rising to $90.31 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching $85.41. US Senator Jack Reed criticized the ongoing military actions, stating that no objectives have been achieved and that the US position in the Middle East has weakened significantly.