Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as the United States (US) military launched strikes on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory strikes from Iran across multiple points in the region.
US military forces hit two Iranian launchers on Larak Island to prevent the deployment of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. A US official claimed, “Earlier today, US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into Strait of Hormuz.”
Tasnim News Agency reported a drone conducted the strike, leaving two people dead and two wounded. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the attack on Larak Island killed and wounded members of Iran’s armed forces and civilians.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strike on Larak, maintaining Iranian forces responded “In accordance with the inherent right of legitimate defence.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran “is not looking for war” but will “never sit still in the face of any aggression.”
Speaking before departing for Kyrgyzstan, Pezeshkian added that Iran “will give a decisive response to the aggressors” if attacked, stating, “Instability and unrest in the region are not in the interest of any country and will challenge everyone.”
Following the strike on Larak Island, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at US targets in Jordan. Iran’s State TV reported the Guards “Targeted technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities and enemy fighter jet positions at the US-operated King Hussein and Al-Azraq airbases in Jordan,” claiming the strikes caused “heavy damage.”
Iran’s foreign ministry stated that US bases in Jordan were used to launch and support the attack on Larak Island, holding the US and supporting parties responsible for escalation. Jordan’s army spokesperson confirmed that air defence systems “intercepted eight missiles that breached the Kingdom’s airspace at dawn today, Monday.”
Simultaneously, Iran’s army announced it attacked the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’ Al Minhad Air Base with drones. Iranian state TV reported the attack targeted locations where US forces and helicopters were stationed, in response to the casualties on Larak Island.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry raised security threat levels and urged residents to stay indoors.
Maritime disruptions also intensified in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state TV reported that a supertanker caught fire and halted after being struck by two naval mines in the southern part of the strait. The IRGC stated the vessel attempted to pass through the waterway illegally, warning that other ships violating security regulations would face similar actions.
Amid the rising conflict, US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video on Truth Social, stating that Iran’s energy hub of Kharg Island was being “blown to smithereens”. The post followed the military actions on Larak Island but provided no additional official details.
Meanwhile, the IRGC Intelligence Organisation released a statement saying the enemy is pursuing “the erosion of national stability and resilience through psychological warfare.” It stated the response is “based on disrupting the enemy’s command capabilities, striking at the terrorist collaborators’ network, and countering those who undermine stability and unity.”
