US imposes sanctions as Iran threatens military retaliation
U.S. sanctions prompt Iranian threats of military escalation in ongoing conflict.
Event / Conflict
Ongoing military conflict between the US and Iran beginning February 2026, involving destruction of Iranian tankers, missile strikes, and disruption of Strait of Hormuz shipping affecting global oil supply and prices.
2026-08-29 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 29 Aug, 01:34 UTC
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The U.S. military struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island that were said to be preparing to fire rockets carrying naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz. This strike occurred on Sunday.
The U.S. military struck air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, facilities with mine laying capabilities, and communications sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM stated the strikes targeted military installations.
After approximately one month without active hostilities between the United States and Iran, military operations resumed with U.S. and Iranian strikes against each other's military targets.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social suggesting the Strait of Hormuz be renamed to 'Trump Strait', stating 'Now that we have it under U.S.A. control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT??? Like America itself, it would be 'hotter' than ever before!' Trump previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Lake Ontario to Lake America.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted retaliatory strikes on U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, as well as an additional U.S. facility in Iraq, overnight Tuesday.
Iran's Foreign Ministry released a statement claiming the U.S. attacked civilian areas and service infrastructure in Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan, and Kerman provinces. Iran stated a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, Sirik County was struck, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian called for a return to diplomacy, stating that if the US respected a protocol agreement signed in June (which collapsed shortly after), Iran would take reciprocal measures. His diplomatic overture came as military operations intensified.
Iranian state media reported at least 11 deaths from American strikes: four killed during a wedding ceremony in Hormozgan province in southeastern Iran (with approximately 50 people wounded), and seven killed in Khuzestan province in western Iran (with eight additional wounded). The wedding strike occurred in a populated area.
Two Iranian oil tankers were struck by projectiles of unknown origin while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Greek maritime agency Marisk. The incident occurred shortly before the latest round of US strikes.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran's central military command, promised 'broader and more destructive' retaliatory strikes if American attacks continued. He also warned any country cooperating with what he termed the 'aggressive American military' of consequences.
Iran conducted a retaliatory operation using missiles and drones targeting US military bases and interests in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed attacks against American military bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Bahrain.
The Jordanian military announced it destroyed ten missiles launched from Iran, with three additional missiles crashing away from inhabited areas without causing injuries.
US Central Command (Centcom) announced strikes against targets of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including air defense sites, radar systems, and maritime installations. The strikes marked the second round of American military action against Iran within several days.
US President Donald Trump threatened that if Iran retaliates against American strikes, it will be struck again 'much harder and stronger.' He later stated he preferred the current situation and claimed the US had near-total control of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting the Iranian economy was 'completely collapsing.'
US crude oil (WTI) surpassed $90 per barrel for the first time since late July following the military escalation. European natural gas prices reached their highest level in over three years in response to the regional hostilities.
Kuwait reported being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. Alert sirens sounded in Bahrain in the early morning hours on Wednesday as part of the Iranian retaliatory operation.
US military forces conducted airstrikes against targets of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including air defense sites, radar systems, and maritime installations. US Central Command announced the completion of this wave of attacks on September 2.
Iran launched a decisive retaliatory operation against US military bases and interests in the region using missiles and drones. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump threatened that if Iran retaliates to the latest US airstrikes, it will be struck again 'much harder and much more forcefully.' He later stated preference for the current situation, claiming US control of the Strait of Hormuz and asserting the Iranian economy is 'collapsing completely.'
Kuwait announced that it was targeted by Iranian missiles and drones during Iran's retaliatory operations against US interests in the region.
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