The United States has resumed military strikes against Iran, targeting Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Channels Television and AFP.

The US Navy said two Iranian launchers were struck after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was observed preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines in the strategic waterway.

The US Central Command said the operation was a “limited, precise action” against Iranian forces it said posed an imminent threat to the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest strikes mark the first reported US attacks on Iran since July 29. Earlier in July, US forces conducted strikes against Iranian targets for 13 consecutive nights.

US seeks to keep Hormuz open

Washington said the latest operation was intended to prevent Iran from placing additional sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route.

US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said CENTCOM had completed clearing sea mines from international shipping routes in the strait the previous week.

He said US forces were continuing to monitor the area and remained prepared to protect the movement of commercial vessels through the waterway.

Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. The strategic passage previously handled about one-fifth of global oil flows, making disruptions there a major concern for energy markets.

Oil prices rise

The renewed military action has already affected global markets.

Both major crude oil benchmarks rose by at least two per cent on Monday following news of the strikes.

The closure of the waterway has also contributed to shortages and higher prices for energy and fertiliser in several parts of the world.

The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. An April ceasefire ended the most intense phase of fighting, but attacks have continued, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has retaliated against US forces and allied targets across the Gulf region, including locations in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.