Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims it targeted US military positions in Jordan after Washington struck rocket launchers on Larak Island, raising fresh fears of a wider regional conflict.

The US-Iran conflict entered another dangerous phase on Monday after Jordan said its air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace. The announcement came shortly after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had attacked US military bases in Jordan in retaliation for an American strike on two rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island.

The US Central Command said its forces carried out the Larak Island operation after identifying Iranian preparations to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the activity an “imminent threat” to shipping.

The latest exchange has increased concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Iran, Israel and US forces to American military positions and allied states across the Gulf and wider West Asia.

Jordan Intercepts Eight Missiles

Jordan’s military said its air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered the kingdom’s airspace early Monday.

The announcement followed Iran’s claim that it had targeted US military facilities in Jordan. Iranian authorities have described the attacks as retaliation for American strikes against Iranian positions.

Jordan is a close US ally and hosts American military personnel and assets, making it a potential target as Tehran seeks to respond to US operations without directly limiting its attacks to American forces in Iran.

The Jordanian military did not immediately provide details about where the missiles were intercepted or whether they caused casualties or significant damage.

US Strikes Larak Island

The latest escalation began with a US military operation against two rocket launchers on Larak Island, located near the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said the launchers were connected to Iranian preparations to deploy naval mines. Washington argued that the operation was necessary to protect commercial vessels and maintain freedom of navigation through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

The US military described the action as limited and precise, rejecting Tehran’s characterization of the strike as an act of aggression.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, however, reported that the American attack killed and wounded Iranian fighters and civilians.

Iran Retaliates In Jordan

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard subsequently claimed responsibility for attacks against US military positions in Jordan.

The move represents a significant expansion in the geographical scope of Iran’s retaliation. American military forces have bases and installations across the region, while Washington works with several Arab governments to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The latest attacks also place Jordan in a difficult position as it seeks to protect its territory while maintaining its strategic partnership with Washington.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that US attacks on Iranian territory or strategic assets will trigger retaliation against American interests in the region.

Trump Warns On Nuclear Threat

US President Donald Trump has again insisted that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump argued that allowing Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon could have resulted in devastating consequences across West Asia. He said Iran’s leadership would have used such a capability and warned that the resulting destruction could have extended beyond the region.

Trump has made Iran’s nuclear programme one of the central justifications for US military action.

Tehran, meanwhile, has continued to reject Washington’s claims about its intentions while defending its right to respond to American attacks.

Oil Prices Cross $90

The latest military escalation has immediately affected global energy markets.

Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel, gaining more than $2 after the US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s retaliatory action. West Texas Intermediate also climbed sharply.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route. Before the conflict, nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the waterway, making any disruption a major concern for oil-importing economies.

Analysts warned that continued attacks could push prices higher if shipping companies increasingly avoid the area.

Hormuz Shipping Slumps

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has also dropped sharply.

Visible commodity vessel traffic fell to around five vessels a day over the weekend, according to shipping data. The actual number could be higher because some vessels have switched off their automatic identification systems amid security concerns.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also received a delayed report of a tanker being struck while travelling inbound through the strait.

Any sustained disruption would have implications for global oil supplies, freight costs, insurance premiums and inflation.

Wider War Fears Grow

The latest developments suggest that the conflict is becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

US attacks on Iranian military infrastructure have prompted retaliation, while American allies such as Jordan face the risk of becoming targets because they host US forces. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains vulnerable to further attacks or disruption.

Trump has also shared an AI-generated video depicting the destruction of Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial oil-export hub, adding to concerns over the scale of possible future US operations.

With military activity expanding geographically and oil markets already reacting, the coming days could prove critical for determining whether the conflict remains contained or develops into a broader regional war.