For the first time in a month: US forces strike launchers in Iran
A senior US official confirmed that forces struck Larak Island after identifying preparations by the Revolutionary Guards to launch naval mines. The attack follows President Donald Trump's warning of military action to thwart Iranian attempts to mine the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior US official stated that earlier today (Sunday), US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The action followed observations of Revolutionary Guard forces preparing to launch rockets carrying naval mines toward the strait.
Last week, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed the removal of naval mines from international shipping lanes in the area. US forces are closely monitoring the region and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this vital waterway.
Following the confirmation by the US official, the Tasnim news agency claimed that, according to initial reports, there were two fatalities resulting from the strike. During the evening, the Iranian Fars news agency reported an explosion heard on Larak Island.
After confirming the attack, the Revolutionary Guards issued a statement:
"The American-Israeli enemy, in desperation to solve internal problems, has again tried to revive its negative role and sway public opinion, and in an aggressive act, attacked Larak Island. As a result, several fighters and civilians were killed and wounded. This action will be met with punishment, and the perpetrators will receive their due."
Why it matters:
This marks the first American attack in Iran in a month. President Donald Trump warned a few days ago that the US would act militarily to thwart any Iranian attempt to re-place naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
In an exclusive phone call with N12 last week, Donald Trump stated that "this business is open." According to him, "the Iranian response is very moderate. They do not want us to attack them again. That is the whole story. Everything else does not matter."
US officials stated they have reversed the trend in the strait and emphasize that this may be a decisive moment in the war, potentially leading not only to gradual relief in the global economy but also to a better agreement with Iran. Earlier this month, following the expiration of the 60-day period set in the memorandum of understanding, Donald Trump posted on his social network, TRUTH, that the Strait of Hormuz is a "new territory of the United States." Following that, Tehran began signaling that its patience toward Washington was running out.
