US Forces Strike Iranian Launchers; Iran Attacks US Bases In Jordan

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island in the first known U.S. military action against Iran in more than a month, prompting Tehran to retaliate with ballistic missiles against U.S. bases in Jordan.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted the King Hussein and Al-Azraq bases, while Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted eight missiles that entered the kingdom’s airspace.

Initial reports suggested there was no significant impact from the Iranian strikes, but details about possible casualties or damage were still emerging early Monday.

The Guards said the U.S. strike killed and wounded several Iranian soldiers and civilians, without providing a precise casualty toll.

IRANIAN SEA MINES TARGETED

A U.S. military spokesman said American forces acted after Revolutionary Guard forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies normally pass.

Larak Island lies in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran’s southern coast, placing the targeted launchers close to one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The American military had only last week completed clearing sea mines from international shipping routes through the strait and said its forces remained prepared to protect the free flow of commercial shipping.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump said last week that mines had been detonated or removed from international waters in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that ships or boats laying new mines would be destroyed.

IRAN RETALIATES AGAINST US
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed after the American attack that Tehran would respond and punish those responsible.

Hours later, the Guards announced ballistic missile strikes against U.S. military positions in Jordan, marking a rapid escalation after weeks of reduced direct military exchanges between Washington and Tehran.

Sunday’s attack on Larak Island marked the first known U.S. strikes against Iran since late July, after direct American military operations had largely paused in recent weeks.

The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military forces.

SIX MONTHS OF ARMED CONFLICT

The armed conflict has since passed the six-month mark, killing thousands and reportedly displacing millions across the region, according to United Nations and regional estimates.

Eighteen U.S. service members have also been killed during the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central flashpoint. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passed through the narrow waterway, but the war severely disrupted shipping there.

The latest exchange raised concerns that renewed direct U.S.-Iranian attacks could further escalate the conflict, particularly if American personnel are killed or Iran attempts to place additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

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