New US-Iran Clash in Hormuz, Oil Rises Nearly 3% After Exchange of Attacks

After more than a month without direct clashes, the United States and Iran have carried out reciprocal military strikes, fueling fears of a renewed conflict in the Middle East.

US forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iranian units were preparing to lay naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global oil transportation.

Tehran responded by launching missiles toward US military targets in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Jordanian authorities said the country’s air defenses neutralized eight missiles that had entered Jordanian airspace.

The United Arab Emirates also announced that it had detected a drone over its territorial waters and condemned the situation as a dangerous escalation. Abu Dhabi denied reports that a base hosting US personnel had been struck.

Larak strike leaves two dead

The US strike on Larak Island killed at least two people and wounded several others. The news was reported by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, citing the governor of Qeshm County.

CENTCOM said it was a “limited and precise” operation carried out against Iranian forces that, according to the US account, were preparing to lay mines in the strait.

Washington said the purpose of the intervention was to ensure the safety of civilian vessels, protect commercial shipping, and preserve the free flow of goods through one of the world’s most important trade chokepoints.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not want war but would not accept aggression without responding. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the US strike as a “strategic and deadly mistake” and warned that it would retaliate.

Trump: “We will hit them hard”

US President Donald Trump once again called Iran a “failed state” and warned that Washington would take action in response to the Iranian attacks.

Energy markets reacted immediately following reports of the clashes. Global oil prices rose by nearly 3% amid concerns over the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strait has become the main flashpoint between the two countries. The United States says it is seeking to ensure the free passage of vessels, while Iran links the security and openness of this maritime corridor to political and security developments across the region.

Dialogue between the parties remains frozen

The clash occurred at a time when direct negotiating contact between Washington and Tehran has stalled. The White House said in recent days that no talks are currently underway.

However, Iran and Oman are continuing discussions on an agreement that would restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts have also been supported by other countries in the region, including Qatar.

Anwar Gargash, adviser to the UAE president, warned that the situation described as “neither war nor peace” cannot serve as a long-term solution. He called for a political and economic path to overcome the crisis.

At the same time, the Trump administration is increasing economic pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is expected to impose new secondary sanctions on Iran every week, with the first measures focusing on the banking sector.

The latest exchange of fire marks the resumption of direct attacks between the United States and Iran. The main concern now is the possibility of a renewed military escalation, as well as its potential impact on regional security and the global energy supply.