The United States has carried out fresh strikes against Iranian military targets as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalate.

American forces attacked two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island after US officials said they had detected preparations by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to deploy rockets carrying sea mines into the waterway.

The United States said the strikes were intended to prevent the mining of the Strait of Hormuz and protect commercial shipping.

The operation represents Washington’s first publicly confirmed attack on Iranian military positions since late July.

Iran has condemned the strikes and pledged retaliation. Iranian authorities later said they had targeted US military positions, while Jordan reported intercepting missiles over its territory.

The renewed confrontation has heightened concerns over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices also rose following the latest military developments as markets reacted to the possibility of further disruption to a major global energy route.