Capitals, AUG 31 (SANA) –A new wave of escalation between the United States and Iran threatens to reignite tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, after Washington and Tehran exchanged strikes for the first time in weeks, in a development that poses renewed risks to maritime traffic and energy supplies, amid continued US economic pressure on Iran.
Trump: Control of Hormuz
Amid the escalation, US President Donald Trump stepped up his rhetoric toward Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, saying in a post on Truth Social that he would soon announce that the strait is “US territory.” In an interview with Fox News, he also spoke of Washington having “almost complete control” over the waterway after the war and removing mines from it with limited assistance from other countries.
He also said that Iran’s military capabilities had suffered extensive losses, pointing to damage to the Iranian Navy, Air Force, air defenses and command structure, as Washington continues to exert military and economic pressure on Tehran.
US Strike on Larak
US forces targeted two missile-launch platforms on Iran’s Larak Island after Iranian “Revolutionary Guard” forces were spotted preparing to launch missiles loaded with naval mines toward the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters quoted a US official as saying.
US Central Command said the operation was “limited and precise” and targeted mine-laying forces that posed an “imminent threat” to navigation in the strait.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard, according to Iranian media, announced that several of its personnel were killed or wounded in the strike. The governor of Qeshm Island reported that two people were killed and others injured, while Tehran vowed to retaliate.
Iranian Attacks and Widespread Condemnations
In parallel with the escalation in Hormuz, Iranian attacks extended to the territories of Arab countries, with Jordan targeted by missiles and the UAE by a drone. The UAE announced that it had intercepted the drone over its territorial waters.
The UAE strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory and Jordan, stressing that they constitute a blatant violation of sovereignty and a threat to the security and stability of both countries. Kuwait and Qatar also condemned the attacks, reaffirming their rejection of escalation that threatens the security and stability of the countries of the region.
Shipping Under Pressure
The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz faces mounting pressure. US Central Command announced the rerouting of 83 commercial vessels and the disabling of three others as part of maritime blockade measures against Iran.
Shipping data also showed a decline in the number of vessels observed transiting the strait to around five ships per day at the beginning of the week, although the actual number may be higher because some vessels have stopped operating their automatic identification systems.
Mines Threaten Tankers
Risks increased after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that an oil tanker caught fire and became disabled after striking two naval mines in the southern part of the strait, while warning vessels against violating its transit instructions.
Data from TankerTrackers indicated that the average oil exports through Hormuz reached around 3.8 million barrels per day over the past seven days, compared with around 9.8 million barrels per day during an earlier period, a decline of more than 60 percent.
Oil Markets Take the Shock
Renewed tensions quickly reverberated through oil markets, with Brent crude for November delivery exceeding $91 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude surpassed $86, amid fears that disruptions could spread in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
[2026-08-31 6:08 PM] Ec Sana: Alongside the military escalation, Washington continues its policy of economic pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States intends to impose new secondary sanctions on a weekly basis, initially focusing on the banking sector, in an effort to isolate Iran from the dollar-based financial system.
Fragile De-escalation
The developments come as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to seeking a negotiated solution, saying that continued war is not in the interests of the region.
However, the renewed strikes, coupled with continued threats to maritime navigation and Iranian attacks on countries in the region, are bringing tensions back to one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors and making regional security and the movement of trade and energy dependent on the parties’ ability to contain the escalation and prevent it from spiraling into a broader confrontation.
T.S /Mazen
