U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the first such strikes in a month, prompting Iran's Revolutionary Guard to launch reprisal attacks on airbases in Jordan used by U.S. forces.
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Key facts
- U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak island on Sunday, a U.S. official said.
- The U.S. said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
- The action marked the first known American strikes on Iran since late July.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched retaliatory strikes on airbases in Jordan used by U.S. forces.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak island on Sunday, a U.S. official confirmed, marking the first known American strikes on Iran since late July, according to the Guardian.
The U.S. official said the strikes were a response to activity by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “I can confirm that earlier today US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak island,” the official said. “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait of Hormuz.”
According to the U.S. account cited by the Guardian, the objective of the strikes on the Larak island sites was to prevent the launch of sea mines into the strategic waterway.
Following the U.S. action, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched retaliatory strikes on airbases in Jordan used by U.S. forces, the Guardian reported.
The exchange represents the first such strikes in a month. CNBC noted that the last major U.S. strikes on Iran were carried out in late July.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and strategically important passage, and the reported preparation to launch sea mines into it formed the stated basis for the U.S. operation.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping channels, and any disruption there can carry significant consequences for global trade and security. The rapid cycle of a U.S. strike followed by an Iranian reprisal on airbases in Jordan signals a fresh escalation between the two sides after a month-long pause.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the U.S. strike Iranian launchers?
U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Iran's Larak island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to a U.S. official cited by the Guardian.
Why did the U.S. carry out the strikes?
A U.S. official said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. said it acted to prevent the launch of those sea mines.
How did Iran respond?
Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched retaliatory strikes on airbases in Jordan used by U.S. forces, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- US strikes Iranian launchers in strait of Hormuz, sparking reprisal attack on airbases in Jordan and UAE
The Guardian World: US says it attacked Larak Island to prevent launch of sea mines, prompting reprisals against airbases used by US forces, with tanker fire also reported in strait Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on airbases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates after the US attacked Iranian
- US strikes Iranian launchers in strait of Hormuz, sparking reprisal attack on airbases in Jordan
The Guardian World: US says it attacked sites in Larak Island to prevent launch of sea mines, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to strike airbases in Jordan used by US forces Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on airbases in Jordan after the United States attacked Iranian rocket launchers on
- U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers near Strait of Hormuz
CNBC Top News: The last major U.S. strikes on Iran were carried out in late July.
- US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak island amid strait of Hormuz tensions
The Guardian World: Attack was response to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps preparing rockets to launch sea mines into strait, says US US forces have struck two Iranian launchers on Iran’s Larak island on Sunday, a US official said, marking the first known American strikes since late July. “I can