Video: U.S. launches fresh strikes on IRGC targets in Iran

Abdullateef Fowewe

United States forces have begun fresh strikes on targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with Washington citing alleged attempted attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and on American troops deployed across the region.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement on Tuesday said the military action commenced at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 1, marking a further escalation in the growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

“Today at 12 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

It added, “The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region.”

The fresh operation comes after weeks of heightened military activity involving Iranian coastal, missile and maritime forces, as well as U.S. military assets stationed across the Middle East.

CENTCOM had earlier described some actions against Iranian forces in the strategic waterway as “limited, precise action” aimed at countering alleged IRGC minelaying units threatening shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the crisis because it is a vital global energy transit route, carrying a significant share of internationally traded oil and liquefied natural gas.

Any disruption to shipping through the narrow passage could have consequences for global energy supplies and oil prices.

Iran has not immediately issued a detailed public response to CENTCOM’s latest announcement at the time of filing this report.