Iran and the US have exchanged strikes following an attack by American forces on two rocket launchers located on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The US strikes, which occurred on August 31, 2026, resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has promised a response. US Central Command (Centcom) described the action as 'limited, precise' targeting 'minelaying forces posing an imminent threat' in the region.
In retaliation, Iran claimed to have struck US military bases in Jordan, with Jordan's army reporting the interception of eight missiles early on the same day. Additionally, Iranian state media stated that the Iranian army targeted an air base in the United Arab Emirates with drones. This marks the first US attack on Iran since President Donald Trump paused military operations in late July.
Larak Island, situated near the strategic port of Bandar Abbas, is a critical point for global shipping, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transiting through the Strait of Hormuz prior to the onset of conflict. Reports indicate that Iran is currently demanding that vessels passing by Larak Island undergo inspections and is allegedly charging $2 million for passage.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, linked to the IRGC, reported that the attack on Larak was conducted using drones. Following the US strike, the IRGC confirmed it had targeted US bases King Hussein and al-Azraq in Jordan with ballistic missiles, labeling the strikes in Jordan as a 'legitimate defense' against American aggression.
Iran's foreign ministry condemned the US military action on Larak Island. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, 'We are not seeking war, but we will deliver a decisive response to the aggressors,' as reported by AFP.
In a related development, Trump shared videos on Truth Social depicting explosions at oil infrastructure, including a caption referencing Kharg Island, a significant oil terminal off Iran's coast. He claimed that all mines placed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz had been detonated or removed, warning that any new mines would lead to destruction.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's assertions as 'propaganda.' The US has intensified economic pressure on Iran, announcing a new sanctions campaign on August 24 aimed at isolating Tehran and expanding secondary sanctions against its allies. Iranian officials have characterized these measures as a continuation of previous US economic strategies, which they argue followed military failures in recent conflicts.
The US continues its naval blockade of Iran, impacting the country's oil exports. Centcom reported that it had disabled three vessels, boarded two, and redirected 82 as part of the blockade. The ongoing conflict has now surpassed six months, with significant military actions taken by both the US and Israel against Iran since February 28, 2026.