U.S., Iran exchange attacks after month-long military calm
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States and Iran exchanged attacks overnight into Monday for the first time in more than a month, raising fears of renewed escalation in a conflict centered on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The exchange began after U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in southern Iran on Sunday. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces were preparing to use the launchers to deploy sea mines into the strait, posing an imminent threat to commercial shipping.
CENTCOM described the operation as “limited, precise action” aimed at protecting civilian mariners, commercial vessels and the free flow of global commerce.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) called the U.S. strike a “strategic and deadly mistake” and vowed retaliation.
The IRGC later said it launched missile and drone attacks against two US military bases in Jordan. Jordan’s armed forces said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed eight missiles that entered its airspace, adding that the projectiles were neutralized before threatening civilians or property.
The latest confrontation comes days after US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz had been cleared of mines. The US military completed an operation last week to remove sea mines from international shipping routes, according to the Trump administration.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the focal point of the conflict, with Iran asserting control over navigation through the waterway and Washington seeking to keep international shipping lanes open.
The escalation also marks a shift from Washington’s recent emphasis on economic pressure against Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that Washington was likely to impose new secondary sanctions on Iran every week, initially targeting banks.
Diplomatic efforts have meanwhile stalled. The White House said last week that no negotiations with Iran were ongoing, although Tehran and Oman continue discussions on restoring maritime traffic through the strait.
Oil prices rose following Sunday’s US strikes. Brent crude climbed 2.8% to $90.57 a barrel, while US crude rose 2.7% to $85.64.