U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks
The fighting comes just days after the Trump administration said it would turn its focus to increasing economic pressure — rather than military action — to try to end its war with Iran.
US forces have struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, near the Strait of Hormuz. According to a US official, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces were preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait. The IRGC confirmed that several of its fighters and other people were killed or wounded in the attack.
The strike, which was carried out on Sunday, marks the first known US military action against Iran since late July. The US had recently completed clearing sea mines from international shipping routes in the strait, and President Donald Trump had said that all mines had been detonated or removed. However, Iran has continued to exert pressure on international shipping, reportedly forcing vessels to pay $2m to cross the strait.
The IRGC has vowed to respond to the US attack, with its spokesman calling it a "strategic and fatal mistake" by the Trump regime. The incident has raised concerns about another escalation in the conflict, which has continued intermittently for over six months. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global shipping, with around 20% of global oil supplies normally passing through it.
Brief written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour, RTE News, Live Mint, BBC News, BBC World — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- US Forces Strike Iranian Military as Sea Mines Headed for Strait of Hormuz newsweek.com
- Report: Iran launches missiles at US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz israelnationalnews.com
