The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh attacks after more than a month of relative calm, raising fears of a new escalation in the Middle East conflict.

US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to a US official. Washington said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strategic waterway. The operation marked the first known US strike on Iranian territory since late July

Iran responded by saying its forces had launched ballistic missiles at two US military bases in Jordan. The IRGC identified the targets as the King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases. Jordanian authorities said their air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered the country's airspace.

The latest exchange has ended a period of relative calm and placed the security of the Strait of Hormuz back at the centre of the confrontation.

US Targets Larak Launchers

US Central Command described the operation as limited and precise.

According to US officials, American forces targeted two launchers after observing IRGC personnel preparing to fire rockets capable of deploying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the action aimed to prevent an immediate threat to commercial shipping.

The strike came days after US forces said they had completed mine-clearing operations along international shipping routes in the strait.

The United States has repeatedly stressed the need to keep the waterway open for commercial vessels. The latest operation signals that Washington remains prepared to use military force when it considers shipping in the area under direct threat.

Iran Announces Retaliation

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the US attack caused casualties among Iranian personnel and civilians. Iranian state media did not provide a confirmed casualty figure.

The IRGC later announced a retaliatory operation against US facilities in Jordan.

Iranian officials said ballistic missiles and drones targeted technical and maintenance infrastructure and areas associated with US fighter aircraft at the King Hussein and Al-Azraq bases. Tehran claimed heavy damage, but those damage claims have not been independently verified.

Jordan's military, meanwhile, said its air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered Jordanian airspace. Reports said there were no injuries at the targeted bases.

Hormuz Becomes Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the latest confrontation.

The waterway is one of the world's most important routes for energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption can affect crude oil supplies, shipping costs and global markets.

Washington has said its recent military operations aim to protect international commerce. Tehran has continued to challenge US claims over control of the waterway and has maintained pressure around the strait.

The latest exchange has renewed concerns among shipping and energy markets about the possibility of further attacks or restrictions around the narrow maritime passage.

Conflict Reaches New Phase

The latest attacks come more than six months after the conflict began.

The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran in late February, triggering a wider confrontation involving missile strikes, military operations and pressure on shipping routes.

The United States carried out a two-week military campaign before President Donald Trump's administration shifted greater attention towards economic pressure and sanctions. The latest Larak operation shows that Washington has not ruled out further military action.

Iran, for its part, has continued to warn that attacks against its territory will trigger retaliation.

Diplomacy Faces New Test

Diplomatic efforts have struggled to produce a lasting settlement.

Pakistan and Qatar have played roles in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. A framework understanding reached earlier in the conflict had raised hopes of reducing hostilities, but disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and other issues have kept tensions high.

The renewed military exchange could make negotiations harder by increasing pressure on both governments to respond to attacks.

For mediators, the immediate challenge will be preventing the latest strikes from developing into another sustained cycle of retaliation.

Oil Markets Watch Hormuz

Energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the strait.

Oil prices moved higher after the latest US strike as traders assessed the possibility of further disruption to shipping.

A prolonged disruption could raise transportation and energy costs well beyond the Middle East. Major oil-importing economies, including India, would closely watch crude prices, shipping insurance and freight rates if the situation deteriorates.

The Strait of Hormuz therefore remains not only a military flashpoint but also a major economic concern for global markets.

What Happens Next

The immediate question is whether Washington and Tehran will contain the latest exchange or respond with further military action.

US officials have said American forces remain prepared to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned that further attacks will invite additional retaliation.

The next developments to watch include further US strikes, Iranian missile or drone operations, the security of commercial vessels and any new diplomatic intervention by regional mediators.