U.S. conducts strikes near Strait of Hormuz, citing Iranian mine attempts

President Donald Trump posted on his social-media platform that the United States had carried out "large and powerful" strikes on Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz. He said the operations were in response to an Iranian effort to place sea mines in the waterway, which he claimed had been removed and detonated, and to a missile launch aimed at a U.S. base in Jordan.

"If the Islamic Republic retaliates, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level," Trump wrote, adding that a larger attack was being prepared.

Iran’s armed forces general staff responded on Telegram, stating that Tehran would "impose a heavy cost on the American enemy" and warning that continued U.S. hostility would lead to greater losses for Washington.

State media in Iran reported that the U.S. strikes hit a fish-meal factory on Qeshm Island and several civilian facilities in Hormozgan province, including a fishing pier and a maritime-organization tower in Sirik. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said Iran launched missiles and drones toward "American bases and interests in the region," without specifying the countries involved.

The U.S. Central Command said on X that the action was a "limited, precise" measure to prevent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from laying mines in the Strait, a key route for about 20% of global oil shipments. CENTCOM added that the operation was intended to protect civilian mariners and commercial shipping.

The strikes follow a recent exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces, including a U.S. attack on rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday and subsequent IRGC claims of missile launches at U.S. bases in Jordan. Jordan’s military reported intercepting at least eight missiles, and the United Arab Emirates said its air force engaged a drone over its waters after Iran launched drones toward an air base in the country.