United States military forces struck two rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island, according to a US official who spoke to Al Jazeera, marking the first attack against the country since late July. The strikes targeted positions preparing to fire sea mines into the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that the raid killed and injured several soldiers.
US Forces Target Rocket Launchers on Larak Island
The military action broke a weeks-long stalemate in the region. According to a US official cited by Al Jazeera, the targeted launchers were actively preparing to fire rockets carrying mines into the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes occurred on an island in southern Iran, representing a sharp tactical shift as Washington balances an ongoing financial pressure campaign with targeted kinetic force.
Last week, US President Donald Trump stated that naval forces had detonated or removed all mines from international waters in the strait, issuing warnings that any vessel or boat attempting to deploy new mines would be destroyed. Despite those assertions, shipping attacks have persisted nearly daily, and Tehran continues to claim the vital waterway remains closed.
IRGC Confirms Casualties and Vows Retaliation
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the operation was carried out by what it termed the “American-Zionist enemy,” according to a statement broadcast by Iran’s state media and reported by Al Jazeera. The IRGC acknowledged that the bombardment killed and wounded several fighters and civilians, though the military branch did not release a precise casualty toll.
“This act will be responded to by the sons of Islamic Iran and will result in punishment of the aggressor,” the IRGC said in its official statement. Historically, Tehran has responded to similar US strikes by launching retaliatory missile and drone volleys at regional military bases hosting American troops.
Did You Know?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit chokepoints.
Economic Pressure and Escalating Oil Prices
The fresh military exchange comes as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its seventh month. Washington recently rolled out secondary sanctions aimed at isolating Iran financially by threatening penalties against any international companies or governments trading with Tehran. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned that the US remains fully prepared to deploy military force whenever necessary to protect shipping lanes.
Tehran has dismissed claims that the US has successfully secured safe passage for commercial tankers. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that intelligence indicated major efforts to manipulate energy markets. “US Govt elements use gullible media to influence prices for personal gain and keep [Trump] mired in a losing war,” Araghchi wrote.
Energy markets have reflected the ongoing supply uncertainty. The average price for a gallon of petrol in the US remains above $4, marking a significant increase from under $3 recorded just before the conflict began in late February. These elevated energy costs continue to drive domestic inflation, posing a notable political challenge for the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm congressional elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the recent US strikes take place?
According to US officials, the strikes hit two rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island in southern Iran.
What was the objective of the military strike?
The US military targeted launchers that forces with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were preparing to use for firing rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
How has Iran responded to the attack?
The IRGC confirmed that several soldiers and individuals were killed or wounded in the raid and vowed to retaliate against and punish the aggressors.
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