0
Ships in the Strait of Hormuz photographed from Musandam, Oman, on the 28th (local time). / Reuters Yonhap

The U.S. has resumed strikes against Iran after roughly a month, hitting two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on the 30th (local time).

"We can confirm that U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island this morning," a U.S. administration official stated, adding that "IRGC forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz," as reported by Reuters and Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The IRGC said several military personnel and civilians were killed or injured in the attack, vowing to respond with "retaliation and punishment," according to Iranian state media.

Iran retaliated immediately. In a statement released through state broadcaster IRIB on the same day, the IRGC announced it had launched missile and drone strikes targeting two U.S. air bases in Jordan.

This strike marks the first resumption of attacks since the U.S. completed large-scale airstrikes on the 29th of last month in response to Iran's attempted attacks on U.S. bases.

The Donald Trump administration announced on the 25th that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had completed operations to clear naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

At the time, President Trump stated, "We have informed Iran that any ship or boat planting new mines will be destroyed immediately and systematically."

"U.S. forces are closely monitoring the area and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commercial navigation through this critical waterway," a U.S. administration official said.

Regarding the six-month conflict with Iran, the White House stated on the 27th that no negotiations are currently underway.

The U.S. administration has recently focused on tightening economic pressure against Iran rather than taking military action.

In particular, on the 24th, it announced an "economic ostracism campaign" to sanction third-country institutions and individuals with economic ties to Iran.

The Middle East conflict, triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in late February, has reportedly left thousands dead and displaced millions of people. Eighteen U.S. service members have been killed in action.

                                                                                                             Kim Hyun-min