Iran dismisses Trump's post of attack on key energy hub of Kharg

On Monday, Iran retaliated against the United States by launching missile strikes at military bases in Jordan, a country allied with Washington, in response to American attacks on its territory. The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed the strikes caused "heavy damage" to two US military air bases in Jordan. Jordan's military reported intercepting eight missiles, but did not specify their origin.

The US had launched the attacks on Iran on Sunday, claiming they were aimed at stopping Iran from deploying more sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US stated that their action targeted the IRGC's mine-laying forces, which posed an immediate threat in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's foreign ministry asserted that the US strikes resulted in casualties and that Iran's attack on Jordan was a legitimate response to the "US-Zionist aerial aggression." The ministry further claimed that the US bases in Jordan had been utilized to launch and support the attack on Larak Island.

Iran also accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of downplaying the attack on its Al Minhad Air Base, stating that the IRGC had targeted the base with drones, which was prompted by the attack on Larak Island. However, the UAE denied these claims, stating that an Iranian drone had been intercepted over its waters. The exchange of fire comes shortly after the Iran-US war entered its sixth month, and as tensions began to ease.

In recent weeks, the US administration under President Donald Trump has focused on economic warfare rather than military strikes on Iran.

The renewed conflict follows weeks of increased efforts by the Trump administration to impose economic sanctions on Iran and its business partners. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that new secondary sanctions were likely to be implemented weekly, primarily targeting Iranian banks. Bessent hinted at further measures, including cutting off institutions entirely from the dollar-based financial system.

Despite diplomatic efforts to end the war, led by mediators such as Pakistan and Qatar, no lasting agreement has been reached. The ceasefire agreed upon in April and the memorandum of understanding towards a final peace deal signed in June have not materialized, and the US has declared "economic warfare" against Iran. A US naval counterblockade of Iranian ports is causing petrol shortages in Iran due to a domestic production shortfall.