Trump hints at intermittent strikes as US-Iran conflict enters seventh month

The United States launched attacks on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, shortly after Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan in retaliation for earlier strikes. President Donald Trump told reporters the U.S. would "hit them hard" and pledged a response, while asserting that the strait remains "in extremely good shape" and that Iran's military and financial capabilities have been degraded.

Iranian officials said they would cease fire if the United States did the same and if Washington honored the interim cease-fire agreement signed in June, which has since collapsed. The latest exchange marks the first direct attacks between the two sides in more than a month and raises concerns of a renewed escalation.

U.S. officials, citing reports from Axios, are reportedly considering a strategy of periodic limited strikes intended to keep oil tankers moving through the Gulf without committing to a full-scale war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new sanctions are targeting Iran's revenue sources, including oil, and warned that Iran's kinetic retaliation reflects economic pressure.

Iran’s central bank governor countered that the country's economy is not collapsing and that it has sufficient foreign currency reserves. Analysts warn that a pattern of sporadic attacks could entrench a perpetual conflict, complicate diplomatic efforts, and strain U.S. munitions supplies. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at historically low levels, with an average of seven ships per day compared with pre-war volumes of about 100.

The United States and Israel, once closely aligned in the campaign against Iran, appear to be diverging on priorities, with Israel focusing on preventing a nuclear program and the United States seeking an exit strategy ahead of upcoming elections.