US strikes Iran for first time in over a month
Washington Examiner · RC · trust 60/100
The United States launched strikes at Iran on Sunday afternoon for the first time in over a month .
The U.S. military struck Larak Island after observing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces preparing to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz , Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, told CNN . Strikes hit two rocket launchers to protect the commercial shipping lane after the military finished clearing the mines throughout the waterway last week.
“U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” Hawkins also said.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central point of tension between the two nations since the conflict broke out in February. President Donald Trump has consistently said the U.S. controls the critical waterway throughout the summer, while Iranian officials have offered differing accounts of the usability of the global shipping route.
The strikes mark a return to military action after the Trump administration shifted its focus to economic measures , as the U.S. last struck Iranian missile and drone facilities on July 29. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent enacted an “economic D-Day” on Monday that threatened secondary sanctions on companies and countries continuing to do business with Tehran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed this plan to U.S. allies on Tuesday, saying then the U.S. would hold off on further strikes “for the time being,” according to Axios .
IRGC forces said in response the strikes “will be answered by the sons of Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor.” The terrorist-sponsoring nation has targeted U.S. allies in the Middle East, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, in drone and missile strikes since the conflict broke out.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
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