The US launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets Tuesday, escalating hostilities after weekend exchanges. US Central Command confirmed strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets at 12 p.m. ET (1600 GMT), citing recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and American service members. Iran's state broadcaster reported explosions on Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar. The IRGC claimed it shot down a 50th advanced MQ9 drone in a "regretful response."

Oil prices rose following the first direct attacks since July and reports of two tankers hit leaving the strait. Tehran remained defiant, warning it would prevent Gulf oil exports despite Donald Trump's threat to hit Iran "hard" and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's warning of new sanctions. Trump warned on social media that Iranian retaliation would bring strikes "at a much harder and higher level," adding "there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The six-month conflict had shifted to economic standoff before weekend strikes, where US forces attacked Larak Island and Iran responded with missiles at two US airbases in Jordan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would reciprocate if Washington honored a June memorandum of understanding intended to halt fighting that has killed thousands in Iran and Lebanon.