U.S. Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers Near Strait of Hormuz
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, August 30, after military officials said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was preparing rockets carrying sea mines for deployment into the Strait of Hormuz.
Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, confirmed the operation in a statement. Hawkins said American forces observed Revolutionary Guard personnel preparing the launchers and acted against both sites. He did not provide details about the weapons used in the strike or any assessment of damage.
CENTCOM said it had completed efforts last week to remove sea mines from international shipping routes through the strait. According to Hawkins, U.S. forces continue to monitor the area and remain prepared to protect commercial traffic through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a passage for international energy shipments, and the conflict has reduced vessel traffic in the area. The war is now in its sixth month, increasing concerns about maritime security and disruptions to global trade.
The Associated Press reported that Sunday’s operation was the first publicly acknowledged U.S. strike against Iranian positions since late July. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards acknowledged that the strikes had occurred, reported casualties and said the organization would respond. Details about the number or condition of those casualties were not immediately available in the provided reports.
The incident followed U.S. mine-clearing operations and reflects continued military activity around shipping lanes in the region. No information was provided about whether commercial vessels were directly threatened at the time of the strike or whether additional Iranian launchers remained on the island.
The situation remains fluid, and officials may release further information about casualties, damage, military objectives and any Iranian response. For now, both sides have confirmed the attack, while key operational details and the broader consequences for regional shipping remain unclear.