US, Iran exchange fire in flare-up; Bessent signals more sanctions
WASHINGTON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - U.S. forces struck two rocket launchers on Iran's Larak Island on Sunday, a U.S. official said, marking the first known American strikes on the Islamic republic since late July.
On August 30, U.S. forces carried out their first known military strikes on Iran since late July, targeting two rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The island, situated near the strategic port of Bandar Abbas, plays a key role in tensions surrounding Iran, maritime security, and global energy supplies. Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan, though Jordan's armed forces intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace.
Iran claimed the attack resulted in casualties among soldiers and citizens, while U.S. Central Command described its action as limited and precise against Iranian minelaying forces in the Strait of Hormuz, citing an imminent threat. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled more secondary sanctions were likely in the coming weeks, with a focus on banks initially.
Bessent stated the U.S. would no longer tolerate financial transactions involving Iranian money or aiding the regime, hinting at the possibility of cutting off an institution entirely from the dollar-based financial system.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
