A predawn military strike near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on May 25 reportedly killed three people, in what Iranian state-affiliated media attributes to a joint US-Israeli operation. The fatalities have been identified as Abbas Eslami, Ghodrat Zarnegari, and Abdolreza Golzari.
Separate reports from Iranian outlet SNN indicate that four IRGC naval personnel were also killed during strikes on speedboats operating in the surrounding waters. Explosions were reportedly heard in nearby Bandar Abbas, accompanied by drone activity over the area.
Why Larak Island matters
Larak Island sits at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly one-fifth of global petroleum consumption passes through this waterway daily.
For Iran, Larak Island serves as a critical outpost for military operations and maritime surveillance, hosting military installations including bases and radar stations, as well as fast-attack craft. It gives Iranian forces visibility over virtually every tanker and warship transiting the strait.
