The United States has carried out its first military strikes against Iran in nearly a month, targeting two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command confirmed the operation on Sunday, saying American forces struck the launchers after Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces were reportedly seen preparing to deploy rockets and sea mines into the vital waterway.
“Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island,” a CENTCOM spokesman said.
The spokesman said the Iranian Revolutionary Guards had been observed preparing to launch rockets and place sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the US military action.
The strikes represent a significant escalation after several weeks of reduced military activity between Washington and Tehran. They also came as the conflict reached its six-month mark, with diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities yet to produce a lasting peace agreement.
Tensions over Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz has remained one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the conflict. The strategic waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a critical route for global energy supplies.
Before the outbreak of hostilities, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passed through the strait. The conflict has severely disrupted commercial traffic, with Iran effectively blocking portions of the waterway.
The latest US operation was linked directly to Washington’s concerns over the safety of international shipping.
Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, said American forces had recently completed efforts to clear sea mines from international shipping routes in the strait.
“Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes,” Hawkins said.
He added that US forces were continuing to monitor the area and were prepared to safeguard commercial navigation.
“US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” he said.
Washington shifts to economic pressure
The latest strikes come after the administration of President Donald Trump had increasingly emphasized economic pressure on Tehran rather than sustained military action.
In recent weeks, Washington has pursued what it describes as “economic warfare” against Iran, including measures aimed at restricting the country’s access to fuel and other essential supplies.
A US naval counterblockade of Iranian ports has also contributed to pressure on Iran’s energy sector, particularly as the country faces a shortage of domestic petroleum production.
The strategy has been accompanied by continued diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.
Peace efforts remain stalled
Countries including Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in attempts to mediate between the United States and Iran, but the diplomatic initiatives have so far failed to produce a comprehensive settlement.
A ceasefire reached in April brought an end to the most intense phase of the fighting. A memorandum of understanding toward a final peace agreement was subsequently signed in June.
However, no final peace deal has emerged.
Although the April ceasefire significantly reduced the scale of fighting, sporadic military incidents, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have continued to undermine efforts to reach a permanent settlement.
The renewed US strikes could further complicate the diplomatic process and increase uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire.
US senator criticises Trump
The latest military action has also drawn criticism in Washington.
US Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticised President Trump and his handling of the conflict in a statement issued on Friday.
Reed argued that the war had failed to achieve its stated objectives after six months of fighting.
“Six months later, not a single objective has been achieved,” Reed said.
He further accused the administration of weakening America’s strategic position, saying, “Indeed, he has weakened our position in the Middle East and the world significantly.”
The latest strikes are now expected to intensify scrutiny of the Trump administration’s Iran strategy, particularly as Washington attempts to balance military pressure, economic sanctions and diplomatic negotiations while maintaining the flow of international commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
