United States forces conducted strikes against two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, according to a U.S. official. The operation targeted equipment belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of Iran's armed forces. U.S. Central Command spokesman Cdr. Tim Hawkins stated that IRGC forces were observed preparing to launch rockets containing sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz prior to the strike.
This engagement represents the first known American military action within Iranian territory since late July. Earlier this month, the U.S. government announced it had completed the removal of all mines from the primary shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi characterized as "propaganda."
Reports indicated that the Sunday attack resulted in the deaths of two people and left two others injured. Iranian state media, specifically the Tasnim news agency, indicated that the strike was carried out by drones. Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for the IRGC, called the action a "strategic and fatal mistake" and stated that the U.S. would face consequences in both economic and military sectors.
The conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran began on February 28. While the specific casualty count in Sunday's drone strike is reported at four people (two dead and two wounded), international shipping faces blockades and increased transit costs.
President Trump stated last week that any vessel caught deploying new mines would be destroyed. The U.S. launched a new sanctions campaign on August 24. Further military responses from Iran have been promised by the IRGC.