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US Forces Strike Iran as Trump Warns of Stronger Response; Oil Futures Jump Over 4%

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US military forces launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday, while President Donald Trump described the attacks as "large and powerful," and warned of further retaliation.

US Central Command said US forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran at noon ET Tuesday, according to a post on X.

"Today at 12 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran," Centcom posted.

Centcom said the strikes followed attempted IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members.

"The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region," according to the X post.

US President Donald Trump followed up shortly after, saying that the strikes near the Strait of Hormuz retaliated against Iran's failed attempt to add sea mines.

"The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians' failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines," Trump said.

Trump said the mines in the Strait had been "completely removed or detonated."

Trump also mentioned that Iran fired eight missiles at a US military base in Jordan, but US forces intercepted all of them. He warned that Iran would face a stronger response if it retaliates.

"If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level...," Trump said.

Iran's state-owned IRIB reported that several explosions were heard east of Bandar Abbas province and around Qeshm island.

The Deputy Governor for Political, Security, and Social Affairs of Hormozgan said no injuries or accidents had been reported in Hormozgan so far, according to IRIB's Telegram post on Tuesday. Hormozgan is the capital city of the Bandar Abbas province.

Oil futures extended their gains Tuesday amid ongoing escalations, with Brent crude up 4.25% to $94.34 per barrel and WTI crude up 4.86% to $89.93/bbl.

The attacks align with a strategy President Trump and senior aides have weighed to disrupt Iran's efforts to rebuild radar and missile systems targeting Strait of Hormuz shipping, according to a report from Axios Monday.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview on Aug. 20 that maximum US economic pressure on Iran could reduce the likelihood of renewed large-scale military action, according to CNBC.

This was followed by a Truth Social post from Trump on Aug. 20, in which he announced the "most crushing economic operation ever" against Tehran, along with "tremendous" consequences for countries that continue doing business with Iran.

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