Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Iran Retaliates Against US Bases After Larak Island Strike
The United States attacked two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
The United States said the launchers might be used to put sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sea mines can be dangerous for ships using the waterway.
Iran said the attack killed and wounded military personnel and civilians.
Iran then said it fired missiles and drones at two US bases in Jordan.
Iran claimed it caused heavy damage.
Jordan said its defenses intercepted eight missiles, and a US source said there was little damage.
Both sides described their own actions as defensive and the other side’s actions as dangerous.
The exchange ended a weeks-long lull in direct US-Iran military action.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched missiles and drones at two US bases in Jordan on Monday.
The IRGC said King Hussein and Al-Azraq bases were targeted, claiming heavy damage to maintenance facilities and fighter-jet positions.
Jordanian authorities reportedly intercepted eight Iranian missiles, while a US source said there had been no significant impact.
The strikes followed a US attack on two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States said the launchers were being prepared to fire sea mines, while Iran described the attack as US-Israeli aggression that caused casualties.
- Who
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the United States, with Jordan involved in intercepting missiles over its territory.
- What
- Iran claimed it attacked two US bases in Jordan after US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
- When
- The US strike occurred Sunday, followed by Iran’s reported retaliation on Monday.
- Where
- The initial strike occurred on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz; the reported retaliation targeted King Hussein and Al-Azraq bases in Jordan.
- Why
- The United States said it acted to stop Iran from launching sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said it was responding to US-Israeli aggression.
Iran’s Position
US and Jordanian Position
Meaning of the Larak strike
Iran’s Position
Iran called the operation US-Israeli aggression and said it killed and wounded military personnel and civilians.
US and Jordanian Position
The United States described the operation as a limited, precise action against launchers being prepared to fire sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
Impact of Iran’s retaliation
Iran’s Position
The IRGC claimed its missiles and drones caused heavy damage to technical, maintenance, and fighter-jet facilities at the two Jordanian bases.
US and Jordanian Position
Jordanian air defenses reportedly intercepted eight missiles, while a US source said there had been no significant impact and that nearly all incoming missiles were intercepted.
Purpose of the military actions
Iran’s Position
Iran said its attack was retaliation and warned that further attacks would bring more devastating responses.
US and Jordanian Position
The United States said its actions were intended to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian targets in Jordan
- King Hussein and Al-Azraq US bases
- Initial US operation
- Two Iranian rocket launchers were struck on Larak Island
- Iranian weapons reported
- Missiles and drones; another report described ballistic missiles
- Jordanian interception claim
- Jordan’s armed forces reportedly intercepted eight missiles
- Iranian casualty report
- Iran said military personnel and civilians were killed or wounded; unofficial reports cited two dead and two injured
- US blockade figures
- CENTCOM said 83 commercial vessels were redirected, three disabled, and two boarded as of August 30
- Reported regional impact
- Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel after the Larak strike
Sources
Iran's IRGC says it attacked US bases in Jordan in retaliation
Iran Strikes US Bases In Jordan After American Attack On Larak Island, Claims 'Heavy Damage' To Facilities
Iran Claims Major Ballistic Missile Strikes On Two US Air Bases In Jordan After American Attack On Larak Island, Escalating Regional Tensions | Video
