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The United States and Iran exchanged direct military strikes for the first time in about a month, renewing fears of a broader confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. forces attacked two Iranian launchers on Larak Island near the entrance to the strait. Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles toward bases housing American forces in Jordan and attempting to strike a target in the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. Central Command said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel on Larak Island were preparing equipment that could be used to mine the Strait of Hormuz and threaten international shipping.
Washington described the operation as limited and targeted.
Iran rejected the American account, calling the strike an act of aggression and a violation of the United Nations Charter. Iranian media reported that two people were killed and two others wounded, although those figures were not independently confirmed.
Following the Larak attack, Iran launched missiles toward the King Hussein and Al Azraq bases in Jordan, where U.S. personnel are stationed.
Jordan’s military said its air defenses intercepted eight missiles before they could threaten civilian areas. No casualties were reported in the country.
Tehran also claimed that it attacked an American military facility in the United Arab Emirates. UAE authorities denied that a military base had been targeted but said they intercepted an Iranian drone over the country’s territorial waters.
It remains unclear whether Washington and Tehran consider the exchange complete. The absence of direct negotiations or a reliable communication channel increases the possibility that another limited operation could provoke a larger response.
The renewed fighting comes as the Trump administration intensifies economic pressure on Iran through a campaign called Operation Economic Outcast.
The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned nearly 60 individuals, companies and vessels and expanded the risk of secondary sanctions in five sectors: digital assets, advanced technology, gold, aviation and shipping.
The measures are intended to restrict Iran’s ability to sell oil, purchase military technology and conduct international financial transactions. Companies and banks in countries that continue trading with Tehran could face additional U.S. restrictions.
Oil markets reacted immediately to the military escalation. Brent crude settled 2.71% higher at $90.49 per barrel after reaching an intraday high of $91.52.
The primary concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Further attacks, mining operations or restrictions on navigation could push energy prices higher and affect countries throughout the region.
Reuters confirmed the renewed exchange of fire, while the details of the U.S. sanctions campaign were published by the Treasury Department.
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