Strait of Hormuz Disruption and Renewed US-Iran Escalation

Reports of US strikes on Iranian launchers and military positions on Larak Island on Aug. 30 mark a potentially significant escalation after a period of relative pause. Iran has threatened retaliation and reportedly launched missiles toward US-linked positions, but the scale, targets, casualties, and attribution remain incompletely verified. Shipping remains near or below half normal levels as mine, missile, drone, tanker, naval-enforcement, and Houthi risks continue to deter operators.