Iran reports first alleged US strike since July as tensions rise around Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened retaliation after accusing the United States of attacking two launch platforms on Larak Island. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that several Iranian fighters and civilians were killed.

A person close to the US government confirmed to Reuters that US forces had attacked the platforms early in the day. The person said US forces had observed Revolutionary Guard units preparing to fire missiles carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Axios, Fox News and CBS News also cited a US official. The claims could not be independently verified.

Iranian news agency Fars had earlier reported an explosion near the island, saying its cause was initially unclear. The last known US attacks on Iran took place in late July. This week, President Donald Trump again threatened to destroy any ships or boats laying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has also increasingly threatened sanctions against countries supporting Iran.

Tensions continued at sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a tanker had been hit by an unidentified projectile 12 nautical miles north of Al Khasab, off Oman. No injuries or environmental damage had been reported, and responsibility remained unclear. UKMTO said attacks, attempted attacks and harassment by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard continued in the strait, including drone overflights, targeted surveillance of commercial vessels and occasional radio transmissions.

In a rare message, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei described the United States and Israel as enemies of the entire Muslim community and urged Muslim countries, especially those in the Gulf, to unite. Since his appointment as Iran’s head of state in March, Khamenei has not appeared publicly.

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I can confirm that US forces attacked two Iranian launch platforms on Larak Island early today.