US forces have carried out strikes against two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, according to a US official. The attack is believed to be the first known US strike on Iran since late July. The island is located near Bandar Abbas. It also sits close to the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments.
US Central Command said Iranian forces were preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines. The weapons were reportedly intended for use in the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom spokesman Cdr. Tim Hawkins said the US watched the Iranian forces preparing the launch. The US then attacked the two launchers.
Iran has strongly condemned the operation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, said the attack caused deaths and injuries. Iranian media reported that two people were killed and two others were wounded.
The IRGC described the US action as a serious mistake. It warned that Washington would face consequences for the attack. Iran later claimed it had launched missiles at US military positions in Jordan. Iranian state media said the attacks were aimed at two bases, King Hussein and al-Azraq.
The IRGC said the strikes caused major damage. It claimed that technical facilities, maintenance areas, and locations used by US fighter aircraft were hit. Jordan gave a different account of the attack. Its military said it had intercepted eight missiles that entered Jordanian airspace early on Monday.
The latest exchange raises fears of another escalation between Iran, the United States, and their regional allies. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the conflict. Iran has been checking tanker traffic near Larak Island. Some vessels have reportedly been asked to pay large sums to pass through the area.
US President Donald Trump recently announced the removal or destruction of Iranian mines placed in the Strait. He had also warned that any vessel trying to place new mines would be attacked. Iranian officials rejected Trump’s statement. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi called it misleading propaganda.
The new US strike comes after Washington announced additional sanctions against Iran on 24 August. The measures are designed to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The conflict began with major US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded with strikes against Israel, US bases, and other regional targets. The fighting has now continued for more than six months. Before the conflict, around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
