US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak Island in first known attack in weeks

On Sunday, US forces launched an attack on two Iranian launchers located on Larak Island, according to a US official. This marks the first time American forces have engaged in combat with Iran since late July, when President Trump halted a renewed military campaign. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had been preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by CBS News quoting a spokesman from US Central Command, Commander Tim Hawkins.

The IRGC claimed that the attack resulted in casualties and vowed a response and punishment. This incident is significant as it represents the first known US strike against Iran since President Trump paused military actions in late July. Prior to this attack, the US military had completed the removal of all mines from the main shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.

Larak Island, situated close to the key port of Bandar Abbas, is strategically located in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is known to enforce a $2 million fee for vessels to pass through this island. Iran's IRGC spokesman, Hossein Mohebbi, denounced the US attack as a "strategic and fatal mistake by the Trump regime" and warned of consequences in economic and military spheres.

Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that two people were killed and two others injured during the attack. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, dismissed President Trump's claim that all mines had been removed from the strait as a "propaganda deception." Recently, Iran is facing heightened US economic pressure through a new sanctions campaign announced on August 24, further isolating Tehran and imposing secondary sanctions against its allies.

The US and Israel initiated extensive airstrikes against Iran on February 28, leading to retaliatory strikes from Iran against Israel, US allies in the Gulf, and US bases in the region. The US also imposed new economic sanctions against Iran.