US Launches New Strikes on Iran
On Tuesday, the United States carried out airstrikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, as announced by US Central Command. These strikes were a response to recent IRGC attempts to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and to target American troops in the area. This came after a weekend clash, the first since July, and following reports that two tankers were struck while departing the strait.[S1][S2]
Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island, in the port city of Bandar Abbas, and in Chabahar. State TV also said US forces struck a civilian airport in Jiroft and a fishmeal factory on Qeshm Island. Witnesses in Bandar Abbas described stronger explosions than on Sunday, with smoke rising from the eastern part of the city.[S1][S4]
Oil Prices Surge as Tehran Threatens Blockade
Brent crude futures, already up 2% on the day, jumped almost 2% more on reports of the strikes, reaching around $90 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil normally flows, has been effectively closed by Iran. Tehran warned it would prevent oil exports from the Gulf, with parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf saying that if the enemy wants to stop Iranian exports, no one will be able to export oil.[S2][S4]
The conflict has shifted into an economic standoff, with sanctions and blockades. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of new sanctions against countries doing business with Iran. However, Tehran remains defiant, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accusing Washington of being addicted to excessive demands and mistaking negotiations for dictating terms.[S1][S2]
Trump Warns of Harsher Retaliation
President Trump took to social media to warn that if Iran retaliates, they will face a much stronger and more severe response, but that would not be the most significant attack, which is still to come. He also told Fox News that US forces targeted Iran's radar systems, waiting until they were nearly complete before striking. These threats echo previous statements that could be considered war crimes if executed, including threatening to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages.[S1][S4]
Iran's Armed Forces General Staff promised crushing and devastating blows against the United States. The IRGC warned that the attacks have only strengthened Iran's resolve. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would reciprocate immediately if Washington honored its commitments under a June memorandum of understanding, but no agreement has been reached.[S4][S1]
