U.S. strikes Iran to prevent Hormuz mine threat
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Ships are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 10. Photo: Ali Saeedi/Getty Images
The U.S. military struck Iranian military targets to prevent the deployment of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said.
Why it matters: This is the first known U.S. strike in Iran since late July when President Trump paused a two-week U.S. military campaign in the strait in late July.
Driving the news: U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Iran's Larak Island after IRGC forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.
- Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported a drone conducted the strike and two people have been killed and two others wounded.
What they're saying: CENTCOM on Sunday night described the strike as "limited, precise action" against IRGC minelaying forces that posed an "imminent threat" in the Strait of Hormuz.
- "In essence, Iran created the threat and the U.S. military eliminated it to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce," CENTCOM said.
- U.S. forces are "monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce" through the strait, spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said.
- The IRGC said in a statement the U.S. attack "will be answered by the sons of Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor."
State of play: The U.S. military last week finished clearing all mines from the strait's main shipping lane.
- Trump said at the time that Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be "immediately and systematically destroyed."
- "There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Zoom out: A U.S. official said Iran launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan in retaliation for the U.S. strike.
- The U.S. official said several missiles were launched, but there was no impact on U.S. bases and no reports of damage or casualties.
- The Jordanian military said eight missiles fired from Iran were intercepted by air defense systems.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
