U.S. forces hit two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, the first American strike on Iran since late July, signaling a sharp escalation in the Strait of Hormuz conflict and prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation against U.S. positions.
American Central Command said the operation targeted minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, prompting Jordanian air defenses to intercept eight missiles early Monday.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of global oil and LNG shipments, and Iran’s demand for $2 million per transit plus a naval blockade that has disabled vessels and redirected tankers, creating supply chain strain and heightened risk for maritime commerce.
Trump asserted that all Iranian mines in the Strait were removed, a claim rejected by Iran’s deputy foreign minister as propaganda, while both sides dispute whether the initial U.S. strike was carried out by aircraft or drones.