US Strikes Iran in Strait of Hormuz; Tehran Retaliates with Jordan Missile Fire

The U.S. military conducted a strike overnight between Sunday and Monday on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such action in a month. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced in response that it had launched ballistic missiles toward an American base in Jordan. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted the IRGC's claim that the American strike was an "act of aggression," stating instead that it was a "limited and precise" operation against forces that had planted mines posing an "immediate threat" in the strait. CENTCOM asserted that "Iran created the threat" and the U.S. military "eliminated it to protect civilian seafarers, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce."

The IRGC also claimed that its air defense systems had downed an American MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz. The Jordanian military reported successfully intercepting eight missiles that entered its airspace, stating they were "dealt with and successfully destroyed before they posed any threat."

In an interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his administration's stance on Iran's nuclear capabilities, stating that if Iran were to obtain nuclear weapons, "there would be no Israel and no Middle East." He also criticized Iran's internal actions, alleging the regime killed "52,000 protesters" months prior.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced to Reuters that the U.S. would begin implementing secondary sanctions on Iran this week, with additional sanctions to be added weekly. The initial focus will be on banks, sending a clear message against cooperation with the Iranian regime. Mnuchin also noted that while the "siege" had reduced Iran's oil imports from China, he believed the secondary sanctions campaign would not succeed without action against Chinese companies.

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging Muslim leaders, particularly those in Gulf states, to identify their "true enemy" and resist their plots. He stated that the "rulers of the United States and the illegitimate Zionist regime" harbor animosity towards the entire Islamic nation, and even their allies are not exempt from this animosity.