US strikes Iran's Larak Island in first attack in weeks
Al Jazeera Staff
The US has conducted an airstrike on Iran's Larak Island, the first since late July, targeting launch pads near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's IRGC confirmed casualties and vowed retaliation, raising fears of renewed military escalation.
The United States has launched an airstrike on Larak Island in southern Iran, the first such attack on the country since late July, a US official confirmed to Al Jazeera. Tehran has vowed to retaliate for Sunday's strike, which risks reigniting military confrontation as Washington shifts from bombing campaigns to financial pressure tactics amid the seventh month of conflict.
The US official said the airstrikes targeted launch pads set up to fire minelaying rockets toward the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Fars news agency earlier reported explosions near the island. Later on Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack by the “American-Zionist enemy,” saying it resulted in multiple soldiers killed and wounded.
“This act will be answered by the sons of Islamic Iran and will lead to the punishment of the aggressor,” the IRGC declared.
In recent weeks, the US has repeatedly asserted control over the strategic waterway, saying it is moving millions of barrels of oil through the strait under military protection even as Iran blockades the route. However, attacks on vessels in Hormuz have been reported nearly daily, and Iran continues to insist the strait is closed.
Sunday's airstrike demonstrates that the US remains willing to use force even as it focuses on sanctions to pressure Iran into concessions over its nuclear program and its claims of control over Hormuz.
Iran has previously responded to similar US attacks by launching missiles and drones at military bases housing US troops in neighboring countries.
Last week, the administration of US President Donald Trump announced it would intensify efforts to isolate Iran financially by threatening secondary sanctions on countries and companies doing business with Tehran. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the US remains ready to use force if necessary.
US officials have hailed what they describe as Iran's loss of control over Hormuz, arguing that the country is on the brink of economic collapse due to sanctions and a military blockade of Iranian ports. However, Tehran remains defiant, stressing its readiness for a prolonged conflict.
On Saturday, Iranian Prime Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed reports that the US is successfully moving large volumes of oil out of Hormuz.
“Our intelligence shows major efforts to manipulate the energy market,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“Elements of the US administration use gullible media to influence prices for personal gain and to mire Mr. Trump in a losing war. Israel-linked actors also push for war with optimistic assessments. US consumers feel the final reality.”
Despite reports that the US is ending—or at least easing—Iran's control over Hormuz, oil prices remain high amid supply uncertainties. The average US gasoline price is currently above $4 per gallon (3.8 liters), up from below $3 when the US and Israel launched the war in late February.
