US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak Island in first known attack since late July

August 31, 2026

Washington: US forces on Sunday struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, marking the first known US strike against Iran since late July, according to US Central Command.

US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins said the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

“Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into Strait of Hormuz,” Hawkins said in a statement.

He added that the US military was monitoring the area closely and remained prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through the strategic waterway.

Iran reports casualties

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said multiple military personnel and civilians were killed or wounded in what it described as a US-Israeli attack on Larak Island in Hormozgan province.

In a statement published by its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC vowed that the attack would be met with “punishment for the aggressor.”

Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing unofficial reports, said at least two people were killed and two others injured in what it described as a US drone attack on the island.

An explosion was also heard on Larak Island on Sunday night, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing local sources.

US says launchers targeted over Strait of Hormuz threat

According to a US official cited by CNN, the US military struck the island after observing Iranian forces preparing to launch mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

The official said two Iranian launchers were hit.

The US Central Command had completed clearing sea mines from the key waterway’s international shipping routes the previous week, according to the official.

The latest strike comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the strategic waterway, which is a major route for global energy shipments and international maritime trade.

Trump issues warning over mine placement

Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against placing new mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said any ship or boat involved in placing new mines in the waterway would be “immediately and systematically destroyed”.

“There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The strike on Larak Island marks the first known US attack on Iranian targets in more than a month and comes as Washington continues to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz.