US Strikes Iran, Ends After Strait Attacks
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on September 1 that it began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets inside Iran at noon Eastern Time and concluded the operation by 18:30 ET (22:30 GMT). The strikes were presented as a response to recent IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on American service members operating in the region.
Captain Tim Hawkins, speaking for CENTCOM, said the strikes were aimed chiefly at reopening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This was the second escalatory step within five days, following U.S. forces’ August 30 attack on two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island – the first known American strikes on Iran since late July after IRGC forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait.
President Donald Trump threatened further attacks on Iran’s Kharg hub, a major oil export facility, and on Fox News declared, “We’ll hit them hard, there will be a response.” Iran retaliated the following day by launching ballistic missiles and drones at the King Hussein and Muwaffaq Salti air bases in Jordan; Jordan reported intercepting eight missiles, and U.S. officials said most incoming fire was neutralised with no significant impact.
Axios, citing three U.S. officials, reported that CENTCOM had developed a “mow the lawn” plan for periodic limited strikes intended to degrade Iranian radar, air‑defence and anti‑ship missile capabilities along the strait. Defense Secretary Hegseth backed the plan, although Axios noted it had not been formally approved by the President ahead of the weekend escalation.
In late August the United States signalled a shift toward economic pressure rather than further military strikes, announcing stricter sanctions against Iran. Meanwhile, oil markets reacted, with Brent crude trading above $93 a barrel, the LCO index up 4.22 % and Brent spot price in U.S. dollars rising 0.01 %.