US Strikes Iranian Launchers on Larak Island
U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a U.S. Central Command spokesman, said. CENTCOM described it as “limited, precise action” targeting Revolutionary Guard forces preparing to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the strait.
It was the first U.S. strike since late July, breaking a lull that had held since Iran and the U.S. last traded fire. The war began Feb. 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes hit targets across Iran and killed then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the strike killed and wounded “several” of its fighters and civilians but did not release a specific toll. Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi, an IRGC spokesman, called the strike “a fatal mistake by the Trump regime during the economic war” and vowed a response “militarily and economically.” Later claims circulating online that the strike killed two IRGC members and injured two others were not independently confirmed and not consistently stated by Iranian officials.
Iran Retaliates in Jordan and the UAE
Missiles and Drones Hit Jordan's Bases
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it fired missiles and drones at Jordan's King Hussein and Al Azraq bases, an operation Iranian state media called “Punishment of the Aggressor.” Jordan's military said it intercepted eight missiles and reported no injuries.
UAE Denies Drone Strike on Al Minhad
Separately, Iran's army claimed it launched dozens of drones at U.S. forces and helicopters at the Al Minhad air base in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE's Ministry of Defence said it intercepted a drone over its territorial waters approaching from Iran, reported no damage, and called reports that Al Minhad was struck “false”.
US Carrier Group Arrives Amid Warnings
The exchange came as the USS George Washington carrier strike group arrived in the Arabian Sea near the strait. “Morale aboard USS George Washington remains high among our sailors,” Capt. Nicholas DeLeo told Fox News. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen separately told Ynet that Israel would strike Iran if it moves to rebuild its nuclear or missile programs, “even if there is an agreement with the United States.”