US launches fresh strikes on IRGC targets in Iran
US forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran at midday Eastern time on September 1, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes follow recent attempted IRGC attacks on commercial shipping and US service members, and come after a breakdown of the June memorandum of understanding. Iranian state media reported explosions in several southern cities and ports, but the reports could not be independently verified.
Why it matters: This escalation underscores the ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint, and its impact on global energy security and regional stability.