American forces conducted strikes on Iranian missile launchers positioned on Larak Island, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks against U.S. positions in Jordan, marking an intensification of months-long military exchanges in the region.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, according to a U.S. official, in what represents the first confirmed American military action against Iran since late July. The official stated that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets equipped with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz when the strikes occurred. Reports indicate the U.S. employed drone strikes in the operation.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded by acknowledging casualties among soldiers and civilians, and vowed that Tehran would deliver "response and punishment" for the attack. In a swift counter-response, Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles at U.S. military positions stationed in Jordan on the same day. According to a U.S. source cited by Fox News, nearly all incoming missiles were intercepted with no significant impact reported.
The incident reflects escalating military confrontation that has persisted for over six months. Previous major exchanges occurred on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering Iranian retaliation against Israel and Gulf states hosting American bases. Throughout the conflict, U.S.-Israeli operations and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced, with eighteen U.S. service members killed. The military actions have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil previously transited. President Trump recently claimed all mines had been removed from the strait's international waters and warned that new mining attempts would be met with destruction.