Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, sent a letter to the Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 31/8 regarding the US strikes on targets on its Larak island in the Persian Gulf last weekend, IRNA news agency reported.

In the letter, Darzi stated that the US forces' attack on the evening of 30/8 violated Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, causing damage to many facilities and structures on the island. Tehran considers the attack launched by Washington a war crime, for which the US must be held accountable.

The Iranian ambassador urged the Security Council to demand that the US cease its attacks and also requested that the letter be included in the official documentation of the United Nations.

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, in New York on 15/1. *Photo: AFP*

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on 30/8 that its forces had struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak island, near the Strait of Hormuz. The targets were struck after the US detected Iranian military personnel preparing to launch rocket-propelled mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reported that the US attack resulted in three deaths and several injuries. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles and drones at bases housing US forces in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking by phone to Fox News on 31/8, President Donald Trump stated that all missiles targeting US forces had been intercepted, except for one deemed not to pose a threat. He declared Washington would respond forcefully to Tehran.

"There will certainly be a response. We will hit them hard," reporter Trey Yingst quoted Trump as saying.

The location of Larak island and Iran's strategic islands. *Graphic: Open Street Maps*

The strike occurred shortly after the Middle East conflict reached the six-month mark and was the first US attack on Iran since late July. In recent weeks, the Trump administration prioritized "economic warfare" over military action.

Over the past months, diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict have been unsuccessful. The most intense phase of fighting concluded after a ceasefire in April, but both sides continue to clash around the Strait of Hormuz, dimming prospects for an agreement.

Iran has recently sought to encourage the US to return to the joint memorandum both sides reached in mid-June. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on 31/8 that the solution to ending the conflict is "completely clear and simple": the US must return to fulfilling its commitments.

"If so, everything could get back on track," Araghchi said.

Nhu Tam (According to Al Jazeera, AFP, Reuters)