US strikes Iranian missile launchers near Strait of Hormuz after month-long pause in attacks; Tehran warns of a reaction | Today’s news
US forces struck Iranian missile launchers near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday (August 30), marking the first reported US military action against Iran in about a month. The strike ended a period of relative calm in the conflict, which has lasted more than six months on and off.
The AP, citing a US official, said Iran’s Revolutionary Guards forces were preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the details involved sensitive military operations.
Iranian casualties and response
Iran’s semi-official media reported explosions near Larak Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps admitted that several of its fighters and others were killed or wounded.
The Garda warned that the US attack would lead to retaliation, raising fears of a further escalation of the conflict.
Significance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy routes in the world. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil reserves normally pass through waterways.
Iran has used its strategic location to exert pressure on international shipping. Although the US military recently completed removing sea mines from international sea lanes, relatively few commercial vessels are currently willing to navigate the strait due to security risks.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the strait remains open and recently said 24 vessels have passed through it. However, this represents only a fraction of the roughly 130 vessels that routinely plied the waterway each day before the war.
Shift to economic pressure
The latest US strike comes just days after the Trump administration signaled it intended to rely more on economic pressure than military action.
The administration is considering tougher sanctions against countries and entities that continue to do business with Tehran. The shift reflects growing concerns about the costs of a protracted conflict and the potential impact on US military readiness.
Concerns about US military resources
Months of fighting have put a strain on US military supplies, particularly ammunition. U.S. officials worry that a protracted war could reduce the resources available to respond to threats in other parts of the world.
The situation complicated the administration’s earlier emphasis on achieving a quick end to the conflict. Trump recently said he is “in no rush” to bring Iran back to negotiations, while continuing to say Iran’s leadership has been severely weakened.
Damage to Iran
The United States and Israel have repeatedly highlighted the damage caused to Iran’s military capabilities. Trump particularly pointed to the weakening of Iran’s navy and air force.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials estimated that the country suffered direct and indirect economic damage of $270 billion. Israeli strikes during the first weeks of the conflict also reportedly severely disrupted Iran’s political and military leadership.
Despite these losses, Iran continues to possess drones and missiles capable of threatening vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Threats to commercial shipping
Commercial traffic across the strait remains well below normal levels. A multinational coalition overseen by the US Navy said shipping continued at a reduced level.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations also said an unknown projectile hit a tanker north of Khasab, Oman, on Saturday. The vessel was coming through the strait.
No casualties or environmental damage were reported, and no group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.
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