US resumes strikes on Iran, targets two launchers near Strait of Hormuz

The United States has resumed military strikes against Iran, hitting two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command.

Sunday’s operation was the first US attack on Iran since late July and came as the six-month-old conflict entered a period of comparatively lower-intensity hostilities.

US officials said the attack was carried out after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was observed preparing to use the launchers to fire rockets and deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

“Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island,” a US Central Command spokesman said.

He added that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards “were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.”

The renewed military action comes at a sensitive moment in the conflict, with Washington having recently placed greater emphasis on economic pressure rather than direct military strikes.

Tensions remain high in Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passed before the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28.

The waterway is vital to global energy markets, making its continued disruption a major concern for international trade.

The US military said it had recently cleared mines from international shipping routes in the strait.

“Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes,” Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, said.

He added: “US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway.”

Peace efforts remain stalled

The latest military action comes despite months of diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Pakistan and Qatar are among the mediators that have sought to bring the United States and Iran towards a lasting settlement, but those efforts have so far failed to produce a final peace agreement.

A ceasefire reached in April brought an end to the most intense fighting, while the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding towards a final peace agreement in June.

However, no comprehensive agreement has followed.

Instead, Washington has declared “economic warfare” against Tehran and intensified pressure on Iran through sanctions and other measures.

The US naval counterblockade of Iranian ports is also putting pressure on the country’s petrol supplies, particularly as Iran faces a shortfall in domestic production.

Although the April ceasefire significantly reduced the scale of fighting, sporadic attacks have continued, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, raising doubts about the prospects for a permanent peace deal.

Reed: Trump has achieved none of his objectives

The prolonged conflict has faced growing criticism from some members of the US Congress.

US Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticised President Donald Trump over the war in a statement issued Friday.

“Six months later, not a single objective has been achieved,” Reed said.

“Indeed, he has weakened our position in the Middle East and the world significantly.”

Sunday’s attack represents a renewed US military intervention against Iran after weeks in which Washington had largely concentrated on economic measures.

With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major flashpoint and diplomatic efforts still stalled, the latest strikes could further complicate attempts to secure a lasting end to the conflict.

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