Iran observed preparing to fire mine-laden rockets toward Strait of Hormuz

Iranian media also reports explosions near Larak Island

First known US military strike against Iran since 'economic isolation' campaign launched

Ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran's Larak Island. [Getty Images]
Ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran's Larak Island. [Getty Images]

The US military struck two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile launch sites on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz after detecting signs that Iran was preparing to fire mine-armed rockets toward the waterway, US officials said.

According to a US official, American forces carried out airstrikes Sunday against two Iranian launch sites on the island.

The official said the IRGC had been observed preparing to fire rockets equipped with mines into the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the military to strike the launch sites preemptively.

Larak Island sits in the Strait of Hormuz off southern Iran, at a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran has repeatedly used the threat of closing the strait as leverage in its confrontations with the United States.

Iranian media also reported explosions in the area. The semi-official Fars News Agency said blasts were heard near Larak Island on Sunday but gave no details on their cause.

The strike marks the first known US military attack against Iran since President Donald Trump announced a sweeping campaign to economically isolate the country.

Trump declared his intention to economically isolate Iran on Aug. 19, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent followed on Monday with a formal announcement of what he called an "economic ostracization" campaign — centered on sanctioning third countries that continue to do business with Iran.

With Washington pressing ahead on economic pressure while responding militarily to threats against the Strait of Hormuz, tensions between the United States and Iran appear increasingly likely to escalate.


sjy@heraldcorp.com