Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's oil exports are at immediate risk after U.S. and Iranian forces traded strikes and leaders traded threats. U.S. Central Command said American forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island after observing Revolutionary Guard units preparing rockets armed with sea mines for the strait. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said, "Earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz." He added, "Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait's international shipping routes. U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it replied by striking two U.S. military sites in Jordan, naming the King Hussein and Al Azraq bases. Iranian statements described damage to technical and repair facilities and fighter deployment areas, and Tehran said the U.S. action on Larak killed and wounded several Iranian soldiers. Iran's Foreign Ministry placed "full responsibility" for the consequences of the escalation on the U.S. and its allies and warned of decisive responses to further aggression.
The exchanges sharpened market and maritime risk immediately. Brent crude futures for November rose 2.7% to $90.48 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for October climbed 2.7% to $85.62. Traders read the moves as a sign of renewed supply risk from the Middle East, and firms that insure and route ships will be watching for changes to transit patterns and official advisories.
Separately, the IRGC said a supertanker struck two naval mines in the southern Strait of Hormuz, caught fire and was disabled, alleging the vessel had failed to follow Iran's rules for passage. The IRGC Navy urged ships to adhere to those rules. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported a separate tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while using the southern lane along the Omani coast and advised caution for commercial traffic.
President Donald Trump amplified pressure by posting an AI-generated video on Truth Social that depicted an attack on Kharg Island, the country's main oil export terminal, and wrote that it is "going to be blown to smithereens!" With both sides signalling intent to maintain military pressure, maritime operators, regional forces and energy markets face heightened uncertainty as authorities continue to monitor the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent shipping lanes. What happens next will hinge on operational decisions ashore and at sea, and on whether either side seeks to widen or de-escalate the confrontation.
