US President Donald Trump said the latest strikes on Iran were carried out 'in honour' of killed US military personnel, as US Central Command widened its offensive and oil prices rose.
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Key facts
- Trump said the latest strikes on Iran were carried out 'in honour' of killed US military personnel.
- US Central Command said the attack targeted Iranian military command centres, air defences, maritime capabilities and missile and drone launch sites.
- Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel, briefly crossing $91.
- Iran responded with attacks in Syria and Jordan, and two ships reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said the latest strikes on Iran were carried out ‘in honour’ of killed US military personnel, according to Al Jazeera. The comments came after Trump had said Tehran ‘will pay’ for the killing of US soldiers.
US Central Command said the latest attack was aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities. According to the Guardian, CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks.
CENTCOM said the strikes were intended to further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It added that the US military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief’s direction.
The escalation had an immediate effect on energy markets. The Guardian reported that the price of oil jumped in early Asian trade on Monday after the US carried out its latest wave of strikes and a vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel by around 0100 GMT, after briefly crossing $91 – its highest price since June.
Iran responded to the strikes with attacks in Syria and Jordan, according to the BBC, which also reported that two ships reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Guardian noted that the US expanded its Iran offensive even as diplomats claimed talks were ongoing.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil shipments, and disruptions there can push up energy prices worldwide. The exchange of strikes between the US and Iran, alongside reports of ships exploding, points to a widening conflict with international economic consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Trump say the strikes were carried out?
Trump said the latest strikes on Iran were carried out 'in honour' of killed US military personnel, after saying Tehran 'will pay' for the killing of US soldiers.
What did the US strikes target?
US Central Command said the attack targeted Iranian military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks, to diminish Iran's ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
How did oil prices react?
Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel by around 0100 GMT on Monday, after briefly crossing $91 – its highest price since June.
Timeline
- US military launches further strikes on Iran after Trump says Tehran ‘will pay’ for killing soldiers – Middle East crisis live
The Guardian World: US Central Command says latest attack aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities after president threatens country over deaths of US troops US expands Iran offensive as diplomats claim talks ongoing The price of oil jumped in early Asian trade on Monday after the US carried
- Trump says US strikes hit Iran in 'honour' of American soldiers killed
BBC World: Iran responded with attacks in Syria and Jordan, as two ships reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump: Latest strikes on Iran ‘in honour’ of killed US military personnel
Al Jazeera: US President Donald Trump said the latest strikes on Iran were carried out 'in honour' of killed US military personnel.