Tehran, Aug 30 (V7N)- US forces have carried out attacks on two missile launch sites on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official cited by Reuters.
The official said members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines in the strategically important waterway. The two sites were therefore targeted in the US operation.
Following the attack, Iran reportedly launched missiles toward US forces stationed in Jordan. A Fox News reporter, citing a US official, said most of the incoming missiles were intercepted and that no major damage had been reported so far.
Iran's IRGC said several military personnel and civilians were killed or injured in the US strike. Tehran has vowed to retaliate against the attack.
Iranian semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the United States carried out the operation using drones.
Tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz
The latest strike comes amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.
US President Donald Trump said last week that mines in international waters around the Strait of Hormuz had been removed or detonated. He warned that any vessel laying new mines in the area would face attacks.
The Strait has remained a major flashpoint since the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated. The waterway has faced severe disruption, with concerns over the movement of oil and other essential commodities.
The United States carried out its previous known attack on Iran in late July. Fighting has since entered a period of relative stalemate, while Washington has continued threatening tougher economic sanctions against countries supporting Tehran.
The United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28. Iran subsequently carried out attacks against Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
The conflict has now continued for more than six months, while the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has placed further pressure on global energy markets. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passed through the strategically important waterway.
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