US Resumes Strikes On Iran Over Strait Of Hormuz

The United States has resumed military strikes against Iran, targeting two rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed tensions over the strategic waterway.

The US military said the operation was carried out on Sunday after Iranian forces were observed preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines into the strait.

US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command (CENTCOM), said the action was intended to counter an immediate threat from Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces involved in mine-laying activities.

“US forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

The strike marks the first US attack on Iranian territory since July 29, when American forces responded to what the military described as an attempted surprise attack against US personnel in the region.

Earlier in July, American forces conducted strikes against Iran for 13 consecutive nights as hostilities intensified.

The latest confrontation centres on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the conflict began, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the waterway.

Iran has effectively restricted movement through the strait since the United States and Israel launched strikes against the country on February 28. The disruption has affected international energy markets and contributed to shortages and higher prices for some commodities, including fertilizer and fuel.

Washington said its forces had completed an operation to clear sea mines from international shipping routes in the waterway last week. However, the discovery of Iranian preparations to deploy additional mines prompted the latest military response.

“US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” Hawkins said.

The United States has recently placed greater emphasis on economic pressure against Tehran rather than sustained military action. However, the latest attacks underscore the growing security risks around the strategic waterway.

Iran has previously retaliated against American interests and US allies across the Gulf, with attacks reported in countries including Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

An April ceasefire brought an end to the most intense fighting between the two sides, but the Strait of Hormuz has continued to undermine prospects for a lasting peace agreement.

The renewed military activity has also unsettled global oil markets. Both major crude oil benchmarks gained at least two per cent on Monday as traders assessed the potential impact of further disruption to shipments through the strategic passage.

The developments have heightened concerns over the stability of global energy supplies if tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate.