US Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers Near Strait of Hormuz

US forces struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz on August 30 after detecting preparations to mine the waterway, ending a roughly month-long lull in direct attacks between Washington and Tehran.

The operation, carried out by US Central Command (CENTCOM), targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units that were preparing rockets fitted with sea mines for launch into the strait. CENTCOM spokesman Tim Hawkins stated that American forces watched the preparations unfold before striking.

Iran reported casualties from the attack and vowed retaliation, putting CENTCOM and global energy markets on alert. Brent crude futures briefly traded above $90 as renewed US-Iran fighting revived Gulf supply risks. The price increase reflects a familiar calculation: renewed fighting raises the odds of tighter Hormuz traffic, which has already dwindled to only a handful of vessels on some days.