American forces struck Iranian rocket launchers for the first time in weeks on Sunday, hitting two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps positions on Larak Island, a US official told Reuters. The official said the strike came after IRGC units were spotted preparing to launch rockets fitted with sea mines toward the Strait of Hormuz, explaining, “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into Strait of Hormuz.”

Tehran did not wait long to answer. Within hours, Iran fired ballistic missiles at American forces based in Jordan, according to a Fox News report citing a US source, though nearly all of the incoming fire was reportedly intercepted with no major damage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, meanwhile, said the initial US strike had left several soldiers and civilians dead or wounded and vowed that Tehran would respond, with the IRGC promising a “response and punishment” for those it holds responsible, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

Key developments:


US strikes hit Larak Island: American forces bombed two IRGC rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, marking Washington’s first known strike on Iran since late July. Iran’s Tasnim news agency said the attack was carried out by drone.

Iran retaliates against US base in Jordan: Tehran launched ballistic missiles at American forces in Jordan; a Fox News source said nearly all were intercepted, with no significant impact reported. Axios later confirmed the weapons used were ballistic missiles.

IRGC threatens retaliation: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the US strike killed and wounded troops and civilians and pledged Tehran would punish those responsible, Iran’s state broadcaster reported.

Khamenei calls on Muslim states to unite: In a written statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader urged Muslim heads of state to “recognise their real enemy, understand its plans and confront it.”

A conflict now past six months old: The strikes follow a lull since late July and come amid a war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The fighting has since killed thousands, displaced millions, killed 18 US service members, and left the Strait of Hormuz once a corridor for roughly a fifth of global oil shipments blockaded.