US and Iran trade strikes for first time in weeks
The US and Iran have engaged in a series of military strikes, with the US targeting rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran retaliating against US bases in Jordan. The escalation follows heightened tensions over shipping security and Iranian demands for transit fees in the vital waterway.
Why it matters
This conflict threatens global energy supplies and risks a broader military confrontation in the Middle East.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are visible near the beach of Bandar Abbas, close to Larak Island
Iran and the US have traded strikes after American forces attacked two rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
The first known US strikes on Iran since late July killed two people and injured two others, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which vowed "response and punishment".
US Central Command (Centcom) said its had taken "limited, precise action" against "minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz".
Iran said it had struck US military bases in Jordan in response. Jordan's army said it had intercepted eight missiles early on Monday morning.
Separately, Iran's state TV said the Iranian army had targeted an air base in the UAE with drones.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in