U.S. Military Strikes Iranian Targets to Prevent Mine Deployment in Strait of Hormuz

<p>The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian military targets to prevent the deployment of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a U.S. official.</p><p>This marks 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.</p><hr /><p>Last week, the U.S. military completed clearing all mines from the main shipping lane of the strait.</p><ul><li>Trump stated that Iran had been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines would be "immediately and systematically destroyed." </li><li>He also mentioned that there is a zero tolerance policy on mine placement in effect.</li><li>Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that a drone conducted the strike, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries.</li></ul><p>U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed that U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island after observing IRGC forces preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.</p><ul><li>Hawkins added that U.S. forces are monitoring the area closely and are prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through the strait.</li><li>The IRGC responded, stating that the U.S. attack "will be answered by the sons of Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor." </li></ul><p>This is a developing story, and updates will follow.</p>