US Strikes Iranian Targets Amid Escalating Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that US forces began striking Iranian targets in the area of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. The strikes were carried out in response to recent attempted attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against commercial shipping and American service members.

According to CENTCOM, the strikes followed attempts by the IRGC to add sea mines to the Strait of Hormuz and launch missiles at a US military base in Jordan. The US successfully intercepted the missiles, but the threat remained.

Oil prices surged as a result of the escalating tensions, with Brent crude rising 3.9% to $93.96 per barrel and WTI crude adding 4.5% to $89.61 per barrel. The United States Oil Fund (USO) gained around 4.8%.

President Trump confirmed the strikes on Truth Social, stating that they were 'large and powerful' and aimed at curbing Iran's threat in the region. He warned that a larger attack was still possible and that there would be 'very little left' of Iran if that happened.