US strikes Larak Island, Iran retaliates across Gulf

United States forces launched air strikes on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, hitting two Iranian launch sites. The attack, the first US military action against Iran since late July, killed and wounded Iranian personnel and civilians. Within hours, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced a series of retaliatory actions, including drone and missile strikes on US‑operated bases in Jordan, a drone attack on the United Arab Emirates’ Al Minhad Air Base, and the placement of naval mines that damaged a super‑tanker in the strait.

Why the escalation matters

The flare‑up threatens to choke one of the world’s most vital oil corridors. Brent crude rose more than two percent after the Larak strike, and shipping data showed the number of vessels transiting the strait fell to five per day over the weekend, as companies reroute or switch off tracking systems. Any prolonged disruption could push global energy prices higher and strain supply chains that already face volatility.

What could happen next

Both sides have warned of further action. The Iranian army said its drone strike on Al Minhad aimed at locations housing US helicopters, while the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have shot down a US MQ‑9 drone over the strait. Jordan’s army reported intercepting eight missiles aimed at its airspace, and US Central Command confirmed it is monitoring Iranian missile launches from the Gulf.

Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!! President DJT,

President Donald Trump echoed the rhetoric on social media, suggesting a broader campaign against Iran’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to sanction another bank to tighten financial pressure on Tehran. The next few days will likely see diplomatic overtures, possible UN calls for restraint, and heightened alert levels for commercial vessels navigating the Hormuz corridor.