US and Iran trade strikes as Trump claims Kharg Island is under attack
The United States and Iran exchanged attacks over the weekend, ending weeks of relative calm and raising fresh concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz and global energy supplies.
US forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island after identifying what Central Command described as preparations for an attack that could threaten commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks targeting US bases in Jordan, according to officials.
The renewed military confrontation came as Washington prepared to intensify its economic pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States was planning further sanctions, including measures against financial institutions accused of helping Iran conduct international transactions.
The latest exchanges marked the first significant flare-up in fighting for several weeks and came after a period of diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions failed to produce a breakthrough.
President Donald Trump also claimed that Iran’s Kharg Island, a major energy hub, was being heavily damaged. He provided no evidence for the statement, while neither US nor Iranian officials immediately confirmed the scale of any destruction.
Sanctions pressure grows
Washington has already expanded its use of secondary sanctions against entities and countries maintaining business ties with Iran. Bessent has said the administration intends to increase pressure on financial networks that support Tehran, signalling that further restrictions could be introduced regularly.
The Treasury secretary said the campaign would focus on limiting Iran’s ability to access the international financial system. Any broader action against banks could also increase tensions with countries that continue to trade with Tehran.
The sanctions drive is part of a wider US strategy that combines economic pressure with military action. Tehran has rejected Washington’s approach and previously described the expanded restrictions as unlawful.
Strait of Hormuz disruption
The renewed fighting has added pressure to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas exports. Commercial traffic has declined during the conflict, with some vessels avoiding the area or switching off tracking systems.
Market concerns pushed oil prices higher as investors assessed the risk of further disruption to supplies from the Gulf.
The US said its latest strikes were aimed at preventing attacks on shipping, while Iran has warned that continued military and economic pressure would bring consequences.
