US Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers in First Attack in Weeks

The US struck Iranian rocket launchers that were preparing to send mines into the Strait of Hormuz, its first military action against the Islamic Republic in weeks, according to Bloomberg. Iranian forces were getting ready to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait, said Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command. Adding to regional tensions, Agence France-Presse reported Jordan's army intercepted eight missiles shortly after Iran's military said it had attacked targets linked to US forces in the kingdom. The flare-up boosted oil prices and dragged down US stock-index futures in early Asian trading, with global benchmark Brent rising 1.4% to $89.30 a barrel. Last week, the US military said it finished clearing mines from shipping routes in the strait, which previously carried one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, though US allies have privately warned the waterway was still likely mined. Hawkins said US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce. The strike was the first military action against Iran in more than a month, as President Donald Trump has shifted toward an economic pressure campaign, though countries with ties to Tehran have so far shrugged off sanction threats and analysts have been underwhelmed by early US actions. Any sustained return to hostilities risks driving up energy costs and stoking inflation, which would unnerve investors and complicate Republicans' effort to retain control of Congress in November's midterm elections, with polls showing growing voter frustration over the war. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said last week that Tehran remains open to resuming diplomacy but that progress hinges on Washington abandoning its pressure campaign, writing after "creative discussions" with mediator Qatar that "pressure doesn't work." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promised an "economic onslaught" against Iran and its trading partners, including China, which buys 90% of Iran's oil, saying the White House would discuss with allies their plans to stop buying Iranian products, though no agreements have been reached. Ahead of the G-20 finance ministers meeting in North Carolina, Bessent told The Associated Press the US would impose sanctions this week on a second bank doing business with Iran, after Treasury last week proposed a rule to sever the Emirati branches of Egypt's Banque Misr from the US financial system. "This is going to be financial violence if we have to," Bessent said.