U.S. strikes IRGC targets in Iran on September 1 in response to missile attacks

The U.S. military struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets inside Iran on September 1, beginning at 12:00 ET, according to U.S. Central Command, in response to Iranian attacks on American forces in the region.

U.S. Central Command accused the IRGC of recent attempted attacks against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region. The strikes follow an earlier operation on August 29, when U.S. forces attacked two rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to BBC News reporting. Central Command said those strikes were conducted after Iran's Revolutionary Guard was seen preparing to place more sea mines in the waterway, per CBS News.

According to President Trump, the strikes were in response to Iran shooting eight missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan. Trump stated in an announcement: "It will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Trump also warned that Iran would be hit again at "a much harder and higher level" if it retaliated, and added that the country had "failed" at adding sea mines to the Strait.

Iranian state media reported that four projectiles hit parts of the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province, east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's deputy governor for security. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that explosions were also heard on Qeshm Island, as well as Konarak and Bandar Abbas, per BBC News reporting.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded swiftly. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said that severe punishment awaited the U.S. and the country would regret the new attacks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a separate measure, saying the U.S. was shutting down a branch of an Egyptian bank in the United Arab Emirates that had funneled over 1.8 billion dollars to the Iranian regime, according to CBS News.

The escalation has drawn international attention. Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, "We admire your courage and resilience in the fight for your national interests," according to CBS News reporting. Vice President JD Vance described Iran's leaders as "really crazy" and "willing to do anything" in an interview with Fox News on August 31, per CBS News.

The Bottom Line: Iran's stated intention to inflict severe punishment sets the stage for a potential new cycle of escalation. The next move will determine whether the U.S. and Iranian leaderships pursue further military strikes or whether diplomatic channels emerge to arrest the cycle.