US attacks after one month, Iran retaliates fiercely.
For the first time in a month, the US attacked Iran, targeting rocket launchers on a small island in the Strait of Hormuz. This move immediately drew fierce retaliation from Iran.
According to AFP, Iranian state media reported that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the US attacks had caused casualties. They then launched retaliatory airstrikes against US military targets in Jordan.
Iranian state television confirmed that the Revolutionary Guard used ballistic missiles. Targets included technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and fighter jet positions. These locations are at the US-operated King Hussein and Al-Azraq air bases in Jordan. The attack caused significant damage. The fighting erupted just as the war entered its sixth month, a period when hostilities were showing signs of subsiding.
The US asserted that the attacks were aimed at preventing Iran from laying more mines in the strait. A few days earlier, Washington announced the completion of demining operations in the waterway. A spokesperson for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that US forces attacked two launch sites on Larak Island. This action followed the detection of Iranian Revolutionary Guard troops preparing to launch rockets carrying mines.
Navy Captain Tim Hawkins confirmed that CENTCOM completed mine clearing operations on international shipping lanes last week. U.S. forces are closely monitoring the area and are ready to protect the free flow of commerce through this vital waterway. The most recent U.S. attack occurred on July 29th, in response to a surprise attack attempt targeting U.S. forces. Earlier in July, CENTCOM also launched 13 consecutive nights of attacks on Iran.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has prioritized economic warfare over military intervention. A ceasefire was agreed in April, and a memorandum toward peace was signed in June. However, no formal agreement has been reached. Washington has now declared it will wage economic warfare against Tehran.
The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is tightening its oil supply, amid a domestic production shortage. This is part of a U.S. effort to increase pressure on its rival.
The ceasefire in April ended the most intense fighting. However, sporadic attacks around the Strait of Hormuz continue to cloud the prospects for peace. Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar have lasted for months but have yielded no results.
