US Military Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers in Strait of Hormuz
Attack marks first offensive operation in a month amid escalating tensions in vital shipping lane.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
The US military attacked Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel has reached a stalemate in this vital shipping lane.
Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins confirmed Revolutionary Guard Corps forces prepared to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait; other US officials also noted these preparations.
Iran's state broadcaster claims the Guard noted "the martyrdom and injury of several of our fighters and compatriots" following the attack, further asserting the attack will "result in punishment of the aggressor."
The Strait of Hormuz is open.
The US military recently cleared sea mines from the strait's international shipping routes.
Separately, an unknown projectile struck a tanker ship on Saturday north of Khasab, Oman, within the strait; no casualties or environmental impact were reported.
Iran reportedly forces tanker traffic to pass by Larak Island, offshore from Bandar Abbas and on the Strait of Hormuz, for checking, with vessels reportedly compelled to pay $2 million to cross.
Despite these actions, Trump claims the "Strait of Hormuz is open."
The Trump administration previously stated it would focus on increasing economic pressure rather than military action to end its war with Iran.
Iran reportedly still possesses enough drones and missiles to fire at vessels transiting the vital energy waterway, finding leverage through its own strikes in the critical Strait of Hormuz.