US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks against US military positions in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in the latest escalation of a war that has now lasted more than six months.
The US military said the strikes on Sunday were aimed at Iranian forces preparing to deploy sea mines in the strategic waterway. US Central Command described the operation as limited and precise, saying the Iranian forces posed an imminent threat to shipping.
“US forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz,” Central Command said. “In essence, Iran created the threat and the US military eliminated it to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce.”
A US official said two Iranian launchers on Larak Island had been targeted after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait. Iranian media reported that the attack was carried out by a US drone.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the American strikes caused casualties among Iranian soldiers and civilians and vowed retaliation. Iranian media also reported that the IRGC had shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, sending it into Gulf waters.
