US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed its third airstrike against Iran in one week on '12일' (local time), targeting approximately 140 Iranian military sites including missile and drone bases, naval assets, ammunition depots, communication networks, and coastal surveillance facilities. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated the same day by striking US facilities at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. The escalating military exchanges between Washington and Tehran have disrupted shipping through the Hormuz Strait and driven international oil prices higher, with Brent crude closing at $76.01 per barrel last week on the London ICE Futures Exchange—approximately 5% above pre-Middle East conflict levels—while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) August futures settled at $71.41 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
US Strikes Iranian Military Targets
US Central Command issued a statement on '12일' (local time) holding Iranian forces accountable for a recent attack on a Cyprus-flagged vessel in the Hormuz Strait. The command confirmed it struck approximately 140 military targets across Iran, including missile and drone facilities, naval forces, ammunition storage sites, communication infrastructure, and coastal monitoring installations. CENTCOM emphasized the strikes marked the third US operation against Iranian military assets within a seven-day period.
Iran Retaliates Against US Base in Jordan
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on '12일' that its aerospace division attacked US facilities at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian southern coastal bases and communication facilities. According to Iran's state-run Press TV, the IRGC stated in an official release that "the United States pressured the Omani government and illegally moved several vessels south of the Hormuz Strait, creating tensions." The IRGC warned that "responsibility for this action and resulting regional instability lies with the United States and Israel," adding that "repeated attacks will be met with stronger responses."
Oil Prices Rise on Supply Disruption Fears
Brent crude for September delivery closed at $76.01 per barrel last week on the London ICE Futures Exchange, approximately 5% higher than levels recorded before the outbreak of Middle East hostilities. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) August futures ended trading at $71.41 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Shipping traffic through the Hormuz Strait has been disrupted following the US-Iran military exchanges. Financial markets and international oil prices have historically demonstrated sensitivity to US-Iran armed confrontations.
FAQ
What military targets did the US strike in Iran on '12일'?
US Central Command struck approximately 140 Iranian military targets including missile and drone bases, naval assets, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance installations.
How did Iran respond to the US airstrikes?
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by attacking US facilities at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan on '12일' (local time), according to statements carried by Iran's state-run Press TV.
