Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. military bases in Jordan on Sunday after U.S. Central Command struck two rocket launchers on Larak Island earlier in the day over concerns Tehran was deploying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Missiles fired into Jordan were intercepted and no impacts have been reported, according to a U.S. official who spoke with CNN. Tehran has intermittently launched strikes at U.S. bases in the Middle East, as well as allies such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, since the conflict broke out in February.
The U.S. had not struck Iranian targets since July 29, as President Donald Trump started prioritizing economic policies meant to further isolate Iran from the global economy after almost two weeks of daily strikes last month. That changed Sunday afternoon when Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz after the Trump administration cleared them from the international waterway last week.
US STRIKES IRAN FOR FIRST TIME IN OVER A MONTH
“U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said after the strikes were conducted. The Strait of Hormuz has become the defining flashpoint of the conflict, as both countries have claimed control of the critical shipping route.
Iranian officials immediately vowed they would respond with strong military action. The King Hussein and Al Azraq bases were specifically targeted, Iranian media reported, according to Reuters.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.