Iran and US Exchange Strikes Over Hormuz
Iran claims it launched missiles and drones at two US bases in Jordan after American forces struck launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, the first significant military exchange between the two sides since late July.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Sunday that an operation it called “Punishment of the Aggressor” targeted King Hussein and Al Azraq bases, claiming it destroyed technical and repair infrastructure and fighter deployment sites. No injuries at either base were reported. Jordan’s armed forces later said they intercepted eight missiles that entered the country’s airspace. The United States said all missiles launched by Iran had been intercepted so far.
Washington said the Larak strike was a preventive action after Iranian forces were observed preparing launchers intended to send mines toward the strait. Iranian media said the attack killed and wounded soldiers and civilians without giving a figure. The IRGC called the strike a strategic mistake and warned that every attack would be met with a stronger response.
US officials framed the Larak operation as a one-off rather than a return to a wider bombing campaign, as the administration continues a financial pressure strategy alongside a naval blockade of Iranian ports. US Central Command said it had redirected 83 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two since reinstating the blockade on 14 July.
Oil prices rose more than 2 percent after the Larak strike, with Brent crude climbing above $90 a barrel. The average US petrol price remains above $4 a gallon, compared with less than $3 when the conflict began in late February. Tehran still maintains that the strait is closed; Washington says commercial traffic is moving under US protection.
The flare-up comes as the conflict enters its seventh month. Iran closed Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport until further notice and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called on Muslim countries to unite against the United States and Israel. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed claims that large volumes of oil were passing through Hormuz and accused US and Israeli-aligned actors of shaping market narratives.
Whether the exchange remains limited will depend on further responses from both sides. For now, military force has returned to a confrontation that Washington had sought to shift toward sanctions and naval interdiction.
