U.S. retaliates against IRGC in Iran after Strait of Hormuz attacks

Brent crude prices surged past $93 per barrel on Tuesday as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had commenced strikes against targets belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within Iran. The intensified conflict has already caused significant disruption to one of the world's most crucial oil chokepoints - the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM confirmed the actions taken on X, stating that they were a direct response to recent IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the strait and against American service members in the region.

CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, explaining that the strikes were carried out after the U.S. had recently completed the clearing of sea mines from the strait's international shipping routes. "We simply will not allow Iran to emplace more mines," Hawkins declared.

The announcement marks the second escalatory move in a span of five days. On August 30, U.S. forces had struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in retaliation for IRGC forces preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated the following day by launching ballistic missiles and drones at Jordan's King Hussein and Muwaffaq Salti air bases, although Jordan reported successfully intercepting eight incoming missiles, with no substantial impact on U.S. forces, according to reports from Kurdistan 24.

President Trump, addressing Fox News following Iran's missile strike on Jordanian bases, made it abundantly clear about the U.S.'s stance, saying, "We're going to hit them hard. There will be a response." According to Axios, based on information from three U.S. officials, CENTCOM had developed a plan to conduct periodic limited strikes aimed at degrading Iranian radar, air defense, and anti-ship missile capabilities along the strait, commonly referred to as the "mow the lawn" strategy.

However, Defense Secretary Hegseth confirmed that the plan had not received formal approval from Trump prior to the escalation. It remains unclear whether Tuesday's broader strikes signify the adoption of this doctrine or stand as an isolated response.