U.S. President Donald Trump extended his military threats against Iran to Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal, saying it is “going to be blown to smithereens!”
The warning followed a weekend exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran, as hostilities between the two countries intensified again.
U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday after American officials said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces were preparing rockets carrying sea mines for launch into the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strike to MS NOW.
“Earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz,” Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a U.S. Central Command spokesperson, said in a statement.
“Last week, CENTCOM completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes. U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” he said.
Sunday’s attack was the first publicly acknowledged U.S. strike on Iranian positions since late July, according to The Associated Press. The conflict has continued for six months and severely disrupted vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Iran reports attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said the U.S. attack on Larak Island killed and wounded several Iranian soldiers. Iranian media reports said Iran responded by attacking American military bases in Jordan.
The IRGC said a combined missile and drone operation targeted the King Hussein and Al Azraq bases. Iranian military forces reportedly said the strikes “destroyed the technical and repair infrastructure, as well as the enemy fighter deployment sites,” causing “heavy damage,” while vowing increasingly forceful responses.
Larak is a small Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz that has become an important military and shipping-control point for Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards use the island to monitor vessel traffic through one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Shipping remains disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy has maintained a blockade against Iranian ports in an effort to pressure the regime to reopen the waterway. Iran has continued targeting vessels that avoid the northern shipping lane near its coast.
Another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while traveling inbound through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, using the southern lane along the Omani coast, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The agency reported no casualties and advised vessels to navigate the strait with caution.
