S. Launches Strikes on Iran

The S. military said it launched strikes on Tuesday against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, ending a month-long lull in hostilities. S. Central Command announced on social media that American forces began striking IRGC targets at 12 m. ET, stating the strikes "follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region."

Iranian state media reported that four projectiles hit parts of the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province, east of the Strait of Hormuz, and that multiple explosions were heard in the east of Bandar Abbas and around Qeshm Island. State media also reported no incidents or damage so far in the southern Hormozgan Province. Iranian state television reported the sound of explosions in Bandar Abbas but did not provide details.

Escalation After a Month of Relative Calm

The strikes come after a month without S. military action in the conflict that has now stretched over six months. On Sunday, the S. military said it struck rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by launching missiles at S. sites in Jordan, which were intercepted. The United Arab Emirates said it stopped an Iranian drone over its waters. Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace early on Monday.

S. Central Command said on Monday that its attacks on Sunday were narrowly focused on preventing IRGC forces from placing new mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement on X, Central Command said: S. forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz." The command added, "In essence, Iran created the threat and the S. military eliminated it to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce."

Iran called Sunday's operation a deadly attack and retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at S. bases in Jordan. Iran acknowledged casualties in the American strikes and warned that Washington would face military and economic consequences, as reported by India Today.

The Pentagon did not detail what targets were hit in Tuesday's strikes, and it was not immediately clear how extensive the attacks were.

Trump's Warning and Characterization of Iran

President Donald Trump acknowledged on Monday that more strikes might be necessary. "That doesn't mean we won't smack them," Trump told reporters. "We'll see what happens."

On his Truth Social platform, Trump said the strikes were "large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians' failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines." He added, "If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level."

Trump asserted that the S. and Israeli bombardment has left Iran "a failed nation," saying much of its political leadership has been killed, Iran's economy is staggered by surging inflation, and its military is devastated. He also claimed the strait is open, though commercial traffic remains far below pre-war levels, according to India Today.

Background: Economic Pressure and Strategic Stakes

The renewed fighting comes after Trump appeared to pivot last month toward punishing Iran economically with sanctions, promising an "economic D-Day" against a country that has withstood nearly five decades of punishing American sanctions. The administration argued that striking the right economic target would get Tehran to its breaking point.

At the same time, S. stockpiles of advanced weapons have been diminishing, and the war has been unpopular among Americans, potentially making Republicans vulnerable in November's midterm elections.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation. Iran retains the ability to target vessels in the waterway, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil normally passes. Crude oil futures rose to around US$90 in midafternoon trading Tuesday, a 4.8 percent increase, according to South China Morning Post.

The S. military has tried to cast the renewed fighting as limited, with Central Command reiterating on Tuesday that its attacks only followed Iranian aggression against commercial vessels and American troops in the region.