U.S. forces have struck Iran’s Larak Island in latest round of escalation in the conflict. These are the first American strikes on Iran in almost a month.
US CENTCOM has stated that U.S. forces took limited and precise action against IRGC forces involved in laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which posed an imminent threat to shipping. It said the action was taken to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping and the free flow of global commerce.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attack killed and wounded several soldiers and citizens. Iranian media have reported a statement from the IRC saying it had attacked the US bases in Jordan in response.
The attacks come just days after US CENTCOM and IRGC both made claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM had announced that Strait was clear of sea mines and open for shipping traffic. IRGC in response had said that they have a decisive control of the strait.
Brent crude futures have climbed 2% following reports of fresh escalation in US-Iran conflict.
