US hits Iranian launchers, Iran fires on US bases in Jordan
The US military conducted its first strike on Iranian forces in a month, targeting rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded by firing ballistic missiles at two US-operated airbases in Jordan, claiming heavy damage. Commercial shipping through the strait fell sharply, with only five vessels observed daily over the weekend.
The US strike on Larak Island marked the first direct American military action against Iranian forces in a month, breaking a period of relative quiet in a conflict that has now persisted for over six months. Central Command said the target was rocket launchers being prepared to deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded within hours, launching ballistic missiles at the King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases in Jordan, with Jordanian air defenses reporting eight intercepted missiles. The escalation has already disrupted commerce, with shipping data showing only five visible vessels transiting the strait over the weekend, while oil prices jumped more than 2 percent, pushing Brent crude above $90 a barrel.
This escalation could have significant ripple effects on global energy markets and supply chains, as the Strait of Hormuz carries a substantial share of the world's oil. Businesses and consumers may face higher fuel costs if shipping disruptions persist. Regional stability could be further strained, affecting civilians in Jordan and the Gulf who may face heightened security risks. The conflict's duration suggests a prolonged period of uncertainty that could shape economic and geopolitical conditions for months.