U.S. forces have struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first reported direct U.S. military action against Iran in about a month, according to a U.S. official.
The strikes occurred near Larak Island, where semi-official Iranian media reported explosions. The U.S. official said forces linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had been observed preparing to launch rockets equipped with sea mines into the strategically important waterway.
The U.S. military had completed an operation to clear sea mines from international shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz just days earlier. The latest strikes therefore highlight continuing tensions over the security and freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Iran’s state broadcaster reported that several IRGC personnel and other people were killed or wounded in the attack. Iranian authorities also warned that the strikes would lead to retaliation against the United States.
The military action comes shortly after the Trump administration signaled a renewed focus on economic pressure and sanctions against Iran rather than sustained military operations. The latest strikes could raise fresh questions about Washington’s strategy as the conflict enters its sixth month.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly significant because it normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil. Continued disruption in the waterway has already sharply reduced commercial traffic, increasing concerns about global energy supplies and shipping costs.
U.S. officials say American forces remain prepared to protect the free movement of commercial vessels through the waterway. However, Iran’s ability to threaten shipping with drones, missiles and sea mines continues to create significant security risks for international vessels.
The latest escalation also comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict face uncertainty. President Donald Trump has said he wants an end to the war but has also indicated that he is not in a hurry to return to negotiations with Tehran.
The new U.S. strike could further increase tensions in the Middle East and raise concerns about the possibility of additional Iranian retaliation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Swifteradio.com
