WASHINGTON — U.S. and Iranian forces have exchanged attacks again after a month-long pause, creating a fresh security crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.

U.S. forces carried out strikes on Iranian rocket launchers positioned near the strait, with American officials saying the operation was intended to protect maritime traffic from threats including rockets and sea mines.

Iran responded with missile attacks directed at U.S. sites in Jordan. Jordanian defenses intercepted the missiles, according to reports. The renewed fighting represents the first direct U.S.-Iran military exchange in weeks.

The escalation is already affecting global energy markets. Oil prices rose nearly 2% on Monday, as traders assessed the possibility of further disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump also claimed that Iran's Kharg Island oil hub was being attacked, but Reuters reported that he provided no supporting evidence and neither the White House nor Pentagon immediately confirmed the claim. An accompanying video was identified as AI-generated.

The developments have placed U.S. military strategy, energy security and global oil supplies back at the center of international attention.

With shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz already significantly reduced, further escalation could have consequences well beyond the Middle East, particularly for fuel prices and the global economy.