US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had targeted two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island after Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces were reportedly seen preparing to fire rockets and deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media also claimed that Iran’s air defence systems shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, with the drone crashing into Gulf waters.
Iran claimed that military personnel and civilians were killed in the US strikes, following which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory operations.
The IRGC claimed that ballistic missiles targeted technical infrastructure and maintenance facilities at the US-operated King Hussein and Al Azraq air bases in Jordan. It later claimed that drones targeted Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE.
However, US sources said all missiles fired toward Jordan were intercepted in the air and that no major damage was reported.
The UAE Ministry of Defence also denied reports of a missile attack on Al Minhad Air Base, saying its armed forces were fully prepared to confront any threat and protect the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.
Hours after the escalation, a supertanker caught fire after reportedly hitting two sea mines while attempting to pass through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC warned that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must comply with its rules, adding that any ship violating them could face a similar fate.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that Iran’s largest energy hub, Kharg Island, was being destroyed. US defence officials and Iranian authorities did not immediately provide further details about the claim.
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts by mediating countries, including Pakistan and Qatar, to end the six-month-long conflict have so far failed to produce a final settlement.
Although progress was reportedly made toward a ceasefire in April and the outlines of an agreement were signed in June, a final peace deal could not be reached, after which Washington announced an economic campaign against Tehran.
