Iran war latest: US launches first strikes on Iran in a month

US forces launched an attack on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking the first strikes on Iran in a month. The Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed casualties, and retaliated by targeting US military bases in Jordan with ballistic missiles, causing heavy damage. This exchange occurred shortly after the US-Iran conflict entered its sixth month and as tensions were easing.

The US stated its actions aimed to deter Iran from launching additional sea mines into the strategic waterway, following its announcement of clearing explosives from the area. Earlier, US forces had targeted two Iranian launchers on the island, citing intelligence that Iran was preparing to deploy sea mines. Recent weeks have seen the Trump administration focusing on economic warfare over military actions against Iran.

Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil passes, since the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have so far failed, despite a ceasefire agreement in April and a memorandum of understanding for a peace deal in June. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports is exacerbating Iran's fuel shortage, as domestic oil production is insufficient to meet demand.

The ongoing conflict has strained relations with US allies in the Gulf region, with sporadic attacks on US facilities and allies causing global economic repercussions, including rising oil prices.