US military strikes Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking their first military action in a month amid an ongoing conflict that has lasted more than six months. Iran responded by launching missiles at U.S. sites in Jordan, claiming retaliation for what it described as a deadly attack. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command, reported that forces with the Revolutionary Guard Corps were preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait. Last week, the U.S. military completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes. Semiofficial news outlets in Iran reported explosions near Larak island in the strait, and the Guard stated that several of its fighters were killed or injured. Iranian state television showed ballistic missiles being fired at U.S. bases in Jordan, with Jordan’s armed forces intercepting eight missiles that entered its airspace early Monday. U.S. military officials characterized the strikes as a “limited, precise action” against minelaying forces, disputing Iran’s claims of aggression. The U.S. Central Command stated that the military action aimed to protect civilian mariners and ensure the free flow of global commerce. The conflict has seen Iran targeting U.S. military bases and infrastructure in Gulf countries since it began on February 28. The last confirmed U.S. military action against Iran was on July 29, when it conducted a series of strikes on Revolutionary Guard targets. Following that, President Donald Trump indicated a pause in military action at the request of Gulf allies. The recent attack occurred shortly after the Trump administration announced a shift towards increasing economic pressure on Iran rather than military action. A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guard called the U.S. strike a “fatal mistake” and warned of consequences. The U.S. military's focus on sanctions comes amid concerns about diminished munitions stockpiles due to the prolonged conflict. As the war continues, Trump has indicated he is “not in a hurry” to negotiate with Iran, despite previous assertions of the Islamic Republic's weakened position. Recent appointments in Iran’s security leadership suggest a continued defiance against external pressures. Trump has claimed that U.S. and Israeli actions have severely impacted Iran’s military capabilities, while Iranian officials report significant financial losses due to the conflict. Iran has maintained leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Following the U.S. attack, crude oil prices increased, with U.S. oil rising 1.8% to $84.94 per barrel and Brent crude increasing 1.9% to $89.79 per barrel. Iran has stated that the U.S. cannot use the strait until it fulfills obligations under a memorandum signed with Oman. Trump has asserted that the strait remains open, noting that 24 vessels passed through last week, although this is significantly lower than the pre-war average of 130 vessels daily. Earlier on Sunday, a coalition led by the U.S. Navy reported reduced commercial traffic in the strait. Additionally, a British military monitoring agency reported that an unknown projectile struck a tanker near Khasab, Oman, with no casualties or environmental impact reported. The U.S. military has redirected 83 commercial vessels and disabled three under its blockade of Iranian ports.