2 days ago
US-Iran Flare-Up Targets Larak Island, Jordan Bases and Banks
The United States and Iran exchanged attacks after a period of relative quiet since late July.
The United States said it attacked two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
American officials said the launchers were connected to efforts to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said the attack killed and injured members of its Revolutionary Guards and civilians.
Iran then said it fired missiles at US bases in Jordan.
It also claimed to have sent drones toward areas near US forces at a base in the United Arab Emirates.
Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles, while the UAE rejected claims that its base had been attacked.
At the same time, the United States tightened financial sanctions against banks accused of helping Iran.
These actions are increasing military and economic pressure between the two countries.
US forces said they struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island to stop an imminent mine-laying threat in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said Revolutionary Guards members and civilians were killed or injured in the Larak Island strike.
Iran said it launched missiles at US bases in Jordan and drones toward areas near US forces at Al Minhad Base in the UAE.
Jordan reported intercepting eight missiles aimed at or near its territory, while the UAE rejected claims of a missile attack on Al Minhad.
The US sanctioned Banque Misr’s UAE branches and plans weekly secondary sanctions to restrict Iran’s financial networks.
- Who
- The United States, Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Banque Misr are involved.
- What
- The United States struck Iranian launchers on Larak Island, Iran retaliated against locations hosting US forces, and Washington imposed further financial sanctions.
- Where
- The attacks involved Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, US bases in Jordan, and areas near Al Minhad Base in the United Arab Emirates.
- When
- The Larak Island strike occurred on Sunday, followed by Iranian attacks reported on Sunday and Monday; the latest exchange was the first confirmed flare-up since late July.
- Why
- The United States said it acted to prevent Iranian forces from laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz; Iran described its attacks as retaliation, while US sanctions aim to restrict Iranian financial networks.
United States and Host Governments
Iranian Government
Reason for the Larak Island strike
United States and Host Governments
The United States said it carried out limited, precise action against Iranian forces preparing to lay mines and pose an imminent threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Government
Iran described the strike as an attack and said it caused deaths and injuries among Revolutionary Guards and civilians.
Iran’s attacks on Jordan
United States and Host Governments
Jordan hosts US personnel, aircraft, drones, and air defenses, making its bases military targets linked to the United States; Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles.
Iranian Government
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the missile and drone operation was retaliation for the US strike and called it “Punishment of the Aggressor.”
Financial sanctions on Banque Misr
United States and Host Governments
The United States said Banque Misr’s UAE branches helped facilitate financial activity connected to Iranian shadow-banking networks and should be cut off from US financial institutions.
Iranian Government
Iran’s position on the Banque Misr sanctions was not stated in the article; the measures are presented as part of Washington’s campaign to isolate Iran economically.
Key facts
- US target
- Two Iranian launchers on Larak Island were struck, according to a US official.
- US justification
- United States Central Command said the action was intended to counter an imminent Iranian mine-laying threat in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian claim
- Iran said several Revolutionary Guards members and civilians were killed or injured in the strike.
- Jordanian response
- Jordan reported intercepting eight missiles after Iran announced an attack on two US bases.
- US personnel in Jordan
- About 4,000 US personnel are hosted at Jordan’s Azraq and King Hussein bases, according to the report.
- Banque Misr transaction allegation
- The US Treasury said Banque Misr allegedly processed about $1.8 billion for 103 companies potentially connected to Iranian shadow-banking networks.
- Planned sanctions
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new secondary sanctions, initially focused on banks, could be announced weekly.
Quotes
US Central Command
US military command responsible for operations in the region
“US forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz”
livemint.com
“I believe it’s where Iran has dispersed its assets to control the Strait of Hormuz”
livemint.com
Scott Bessent
US Treasury Secretary
“You're going to see a lot more of these every week. We're starting with the banks, and we're telling the banks it's not okay to have Iranian money and to aid the regime.”
livemint.com
Sources
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