U.S. struck two IRGC launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Armed Forces struck two IRGC launchers on the Iranian island of Larak in the Strait of Hormuz, said Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM said Iranian units were preparing to launch missiles with naval mines into the strait and posed an immediate threat to shipping.

The American command called the strike “limited and targeted actions” and claimed it had only last week finished clearing shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz of mines. According to the U.S., Iranian forces intended to place explosive devices there again.

The IRGC confirmed the strike on Larak and reported dead and wounded among its military personnel and civilians. The Iranian agency Tasnim, close to the IRGC, citing unofficial sources, claims that two people were killed and two more were injured.

The IRGC vowed to respond to the U.S. attack. On the morning of August 31, Iran announced a strike on Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, where American troops are stationed, and Iranian state television, citing the country’s armed forces, called the attack a response to the strike on Larak.

In July, the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum that included, among other things, a 60-day ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these agreements, the sides continued to exchange strikes, and in August Washington announced a new campaign of economic pressure on Tehran, which Iranian authorities called “economic terrorism”.

Sources

• Radio Svoboda