US Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers in Strait of Hormuz

The US military has struck Iranian rocket launchers in its first attack on Iranian targets in over a month. The move comes after weeks of relative calm, during which time the Trump administration had shifted its focus to squeezing Iran's economy.

According to Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz when they were targeted by US forces. The strait is a critical international waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

The attack marks a return to military action against Iran, following a lull that lasted over a month. In July, the US fired missiles at Iranian targets for the last time before switching its strategy to economic pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that resuming diplomacy with the US is not impossible, but progress hinges on US understanding of one simple fact: Pressure doesn't work.

The Trump administration's campaign to drive Iran to the negotiating table by squeezing its economy includes plans to stop buying Iranian oil and projects. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised an 'economic onslaught' against Iran and its trading partners, including China, which buys 90% of Iran's oil.