US military strikes IRGC rocket sites near Hormuz Strait

The United States military conducted airstrikes against two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rocket launch sites on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first US military strike against Iran in approximately one month, following a period of focus on economic sanctions under the Trump administration.

US officials stated the strike was prompted by observations that the IRGC was preparing to launch rockets equipped with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. This action follows President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a ‘zero tolerance policy’ regarding the installation of new mines in the international waters of the strait.

Iranian media reported that the strikes resulted in at least two deaths and two injuries. The IRGC issued a statement condemning the attack as a ‘terrorist act’ and vowed a strong response, promising that the ‘aggressors will be punished.’ The escalation increases geopolitical tensions and uncertainty regarding global oil supply chains.