Direct fire exchange between US and Iran in Strait of Hormuz and Jordan

US and Iranian military forces have engaged in their first direct exchange of fire in the Middle East in over a month. US Central Command (Centcom) stated it took "limited, precise action" against IRGC mine-laying forces on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, the operation aimed to protect civilian mariners and commercial shipping, as the IRGC was preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines. In retaliation, the IRGC announced it had launched missile and drone strikes against the King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases in Jordan. The Jordanian military confirmed it intercepted eight missiles that had penetrated its airspace. Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Defence reported intercepting an Iranian drone over its territorial waters. The IRGC claimed a supertanker caught fire after striking two sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and was completely stopped; this claim has not been independently verified. US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video of Kharg Island, though there is no official confirmation that the oil terminal was struck. Oil prices rose to over $90 a barrel following the flare-up.