World · India Bureau
US strikes Iranian positions in Gulf as regional tensions flare
American forces have conducted military strikes against Iranian rocket launcher positions near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such action in weeks as the six-month-old conflict shows signs of intensifying. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes caused casualties among its personnel and vowed to respond.
LSN India ·
US Central Command confirmed Sunday's strikes targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps forces that were preparing to launch rockets and deploy sea mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The operation represents a resumption of direct military engagement after a period of relative calm in the wider conflict that began in late February.
Spokesperson Tim Hawkins said American forces observed the Iranian preparations and acted to prevent the planned launch. The strikes come shortly after US military operations to clear sea mines from international shipping lanes in the strait, underscoring Washington's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical waterways.
Iranian state media reported explosions near Larak Island in the strait, with the Revolutionary Guard acknowledging in an official statement that several of its fighters and personnel were killed or wounded in the bombardment. The Islamic Republic's semiofficial news outlets amplified the reports of the strikes.
Tehran swiftly signalled its intention to retaliate for what it characterized as a deadly attack. The escalation threatens to deepen instability in the Gulf region, where Iran has previously targeted US military installations and infrastructure in neighbouring countries since the broader conflict erupted six months ago. Regional observers warn that such tit-for-tat military actions risk widening the scope of the confrontation.