U.S. Strikes Larak Island to Prevent Hormuz Minelaying

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted limited, precise strikes on Larak Island on August 31, 2026, targeting two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Fajr-5 rocket launchers. CENTCOM stated the operation was necessary to eliminate an imminent threat, as the IRGC was preparing to deploy sea mines and fire rockets into the Strait of Hormuz, specifically targeting the Omani Channel. The U.S. military rejected Iranian claims that the strikes were an act of aggression, asserting the action protected civilian mariners and global commerce.

In retaliation, the IRGC and the Iranian army launched a combined ballistic missile and drone operation against U.S. military installations. The attacks targeted the King Hussein and Al-Azraq air bases in Jordan and the Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The Jordanian Armed Forces reported intercepting at least eight missiles, while the UAE Defense Ministry stated it intercepted an Iranian drone and denied that the Al Minhad base was successfully hit.

President Donald Trump announced that mines had been cleared from the Strait and established a zero-tolerance policy, warning that any vessel placing new mines would be immediately and systematically destroyed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Iran is not seeking war, it will provide a decisive response to aggressors. The escalation follows the August 24 launch of Operation Economic Outcast by the U.S. Treasury to sever Iranian financial networks.