US Forces Strike Iranian Rocket Launchers on Lark Island

Two Iranian rocket launchers on Lark Island near the Strait of Hormuz were reportedly hit by US forces, according to reports citing a US official. The reported strikes came as Washington continued efforts to keep commercial shipping moving through the strategic waterway.

Al Jazeera said the launchers belonged to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Axios, citing a US official, reported that IRGC personnel had been observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines toward the strait. The US military had not immediately issued a public confirmation.

The reported attack followed US statements that mine-clearing operations along international shipping lanes had been completed. The operation involved Navy divers, special operations forces and air assets, and US Central Command said it sought to restore safe passage for commercial shipping.

Maritime traffic remains below normal levels, despite the reported completion of clearance work. The incident also followed an explosion heard near Lark Island on Sunday, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. The cause of that explosion had not been established.