2 days ago
US Strikes Iranian Launchers Near Hormuz, Iran Threatens Retaliation
The United States attacked Iranian rocket launchers near an important sea route called the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials said Iran was preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the water.
Mines could make the route dangerous for ships.
Iran said some of its fighters and other people were killed or hurt.
Iranian media said Iran fired missiles at US bases in Jordan.
Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles that entered its airspace.
The two countries disagree about the conflict and continue to threaten each other.
The strait normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil.
Fewer ships are using it because the fighting makes the route dangerous.
US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on or near Larak Island on Sunday, August 30, ending a month-long pause in reported attacks.
Washington said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were preparing rockets carrying sea mines for launch into the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran reported that several fighters and civilians were killed or wounded and vowed military and economic retaliation.
Iranian state media claimed ballistic missiles targeted US-operated bases in Jordan, while Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles entering its airspace.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below normal levels, and an unknown projectile struck a tanker near Oman without reported casualties or pollution.
- Who
- US forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were involved; Iran also claimed attacks on US military targets in Jordan, which Jordan said it countered by intercepting eight missiles.
- What
- The United States struck Iranian rocket launchers, while Iran reported casualties and threatened retaliation; Iranian media claimed subsequent missile attacks on US bases in Jordan.
- Where
- The reported launchers were on or near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The claimed retaliatory targets were King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases in Jordan. A tanker was struck north of Khasab, Oman.
- When
- The strike occurred on Sunday, August 30, after about a month without a reported US attack on Iran; the tanker incident occurred on Saturday.
- Why
- The United States said Iranian forces were preparing rockets carrying sea mines for launch into the Strait of Hormuz, after US forces had cleared mines from international shipping routes.
US Position
Iranian Position
Reason for the strike
US Position
The United States said it carried out a preventive strike because Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces were preparing rockets carrying sea mines for launch into the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Position
Iran called the attack a fatal mistake and said the United States would face military and economic punishment.
Status of the Strait of Hormuz
US Position
The United States says the waterway remains open, has cleared mines from international shipping routes and is prepared to protect commercial traffic.
Iranian Position
Iran has used the strait to pressure shipping and says the United States cannot use a proposed management plan until it meets obligations under a June memorandum of understanding.
Reported retaliation
US Position
The US accounts in the articles confirm the launcher strike and Iranian threats but do not independently confirm that Iran's claimed attacks caused heavy damage; Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles.
Iranian Position
Iranian state media said the Revolutionary Guard retaliated with ballistic-missile attacks on US-operated bases in Jordan and caused heavy damage.
Key facts
- Reported US targets
- A US official said American forces destroyed two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
- US justification
- US Central Command said Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces were preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian casualties
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that several fighters and other people were killed or wounded; an affiliated outlet separately reported two deaths and two injuries.
- Claimed retaliation
- Iranian state television said ballistic missiles targeted technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities and fighter-jet positions at US-operated bases in Jordan; Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles entering its airspace.
- Strategic waterway
- About 20% of global oil supplies normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Shipping levels
- Donald Trump said 24 vessels passed through the strait recently, compared with roughly 130 vessels per day before the war.
- Tanker incident
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that an unknown projectile struck a tanker north of Khasab, Oman; no casualties or environmental damage were reported.
- US maritime actions
- The US military said it had redirected 83 commercial vessels and disabled three under its blockade of Iranian ports.
Quotes
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
Iran’s military organization, as quoted by Iranian state television
“targeted technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and enemy fighter jet positions at the US-operated King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases in Jordan”
firstpost.com
“Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island”
firstpost.com
Tim Hawkins
Navy captain and spokesman for US Central Command
“US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway”
firstpost.com
Sources
US strikes Iran after month-long lull, Tehran retaliates with attacks on Jordan bases
US strikes Iranian rocket launchers near Strait of Hormuz after month-long pause in attacks; Tehran warns of response
US Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers Near Strait Of Hormuz, Breaking Month-Long Military Lull As Tehran Vows Retaliation
US Strikes Iranian Launchers On Larak Island In First Attack In A Month, Iran Vows Revenge
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