US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking the first military action in over a month. US officials stated the strikes were necessary because the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait. This action follows the US military's completion of efforts to clear sea mines from international shipping routes last week.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that the attack caused the martyrdom and injury of several fighters and citizens. In retaliation, Iran targeted US military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Some missiles launched toward Jordan were intercepted by American forces. These events represent a fresh flare-up in a conflict that has lasted more than six months and had recently reached a stalemate.
President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran hard and promised further action, while also calling for the prosecution of Iranian leaders for killing protesters. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, vowed to continue a pressure campaign aimed at hobbling Tehran's economy, including new secondary economic sanctions for banks doing business with Iran.
The conflict continues as Iran keeps the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed, a waterway that previously accounted for a fifth of the world's seaborne energy supply. The US persists with a naval counter-blockade and claims that repeated attacks on Iranian missile launchers and radars have loosened Tehran's control over the shipping routes.