The United States has resumed air strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, hitting rocket launchers on Larak Island in its first reported attack on Iran since late July.
US forces carried out the strikes on Sunday after observing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel allegedly preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines into the strategic waterway.
“Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz,” US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said.
Washington said the operation was aimed at preventing Iran from laying additional sea mines in the strait, days after US forces announced the completion of mine-clearing operations along international shipping routes.
“US forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz,” the US Central Command said.
The strikes mark a renewed military escalation after the Trump administration had focused in recent weeks on what it described as “economic warfare” against Tehran rather than direct military action.
Strait Closure Deepens Global Pressure
Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes and a waterway through which about one-fifth of global oil previously passed.
The blockade followed the outbreak of hostilities after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.
“Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes,” Hawkins said.
“US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major flashpoint despite an April ceasefire that ended the most intense period of fighting.
Sporadic attacks have continued, particularly around the strategic waterway, weakening hopes of reaching a permanent peace agreement.
First US Strike Since July
Sunday’s operation was the first US strike on Iran since July 29, when the US military said it responded to what it described as “an attempted surprise attack on US forces” in the region.
Earlier in July, US Central Command carried out attacks on Iranian targets for 13 consecutive nights.
Throughout the conflict, Iran has launched strikes against US facilities and allies across the Gulf region, hitting targets in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among other locations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also created economic pressure beyond the region, contributing to rising energy prices and shortages of fertiliser.
Oil markets reacted to the latest developments, with both major crude oil benchmarks rising by at least two per cent on Monday.
The renewed strikes signal a fresh escalation around one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to threaten global energy supplies and maritime trade.
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