Colonel Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated on 30/8 that its forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak island, near the Strait of Hormuz.
Hawkins reported that the two rocket launchers, belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were targeted after the US detected Iranian military personnel preparing to launch rockets carrying naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM did not specify the outcome of the attack.
CENTCOM announced it had completed naval mine clearance operations along international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. It added that US forces are closely monitoring the area and remain ready to protect free commercial navigation.
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US F/A-18E fighter jet in the Arabian Sea on 16/6. *US Navy* |
The IRGC confirmed that the attack on Larak island resulted in some of its soldiers and local civilians being wounded or killed. The force labeled the action a "strategic mistake" by President Donald Trump's administration and warned of retaliation.
The IRGC later claimed to have launched ballistic missiles at "technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and fighter jet positions" at two US bases in Jordan, King Hussein and Muwaffaq Salti, causing "heavy damage". CENTCOM has not yet commented on this information.
The strike occurred just after the Middle East conflict reached the six-month mark and was the first US attack targeting Iran since late July. In recent weeks, President Trump's administration had prioritized "economic warfare" over military action.
President Trump stated on 25/8 that Iran had been warned any vessels attempting to deploy additional naval mines "would be systematically destroyed immediately".
Diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict have been unsuccessful in recent months. The most intense fighting concluded after a ceasefire in April, but clashes continue around the Strait of Hormuz, dimming prospects for a resolution.
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Location of Larak island and Iran's strategic islands. *Open Street Maps* |
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Isolation" on 24/8, targeting Tehran with the goal of "cutting off all lifelines" and stifling Iran's economy through financial measures against both Iran and its partners. Washington is also maintaining a naval blockade campaign against ports in the West Asian nation.
US Senator Jack Reed criticized President Trump on 28/8 regarding the Middle East conflict.
"Six months have passed, and no objectives have been achieved", stated Reed, a senior Democratic member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee. "Trump has significantly diminished our standing in the Middle East and the world".
Pham Giang (According to AFP, CNN, CNBC)
