The United States announced on Sunday that it had conducted airstrikes against Iranian rocket launchers located on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such military action against Iran since late July.
“Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz,” US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated in a message to AFP.
Washington indicated that the operation was intended to prevent Iran from deploying additional sea mines in the waterway, following a recent announcement that the US had finished clearing explosives from the area.
“US forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.
While the administration of US President Donald Trump has recently emphasized “economic warfare” over direct military strikes, this action signals a continued focus on regional security.
Tehran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor that carried one-fifth of global oil before hostilities with the United States and Israel escalated on February 28.
“Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes,” noted Captain Hawkins. “US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway.”
Although an April ceasefire curtailed the most severe combat, sporadic incidents—primarily near the Strait of Hormuz—have complicated efforts to reach a permanent peace agreement.
The most recent US strike prior to Sunday occurred on July 29, following “an attempted surprise attack on US forces” in the region. Earlier in July, CENTCOM had engaged in 13 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran.
Throughout the conflict, Iran has responded by targeting US facilities and allies across the Gulf, including sites in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had global economic consequences, contributing to energy shortages and rising fertilizer prices. Following the news, both primary crude oil contracts increased by at least two percent on Monday.
Credit: AFP
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