US strikes Iranian forces units accused of mining the Strait of Hormuz
Photo: US service members explain the reason for the strike (Getty Images)
US Central Command said American forces took “limited and precise measures” against units of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that were laying mines and posing a threat in the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM on X.
What CENTCOM said
“In essence, Iran created the threat, and the US military eliminated it to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce,” the US command said.
The US military dismissed as false a statement by the IRGC, which described the strikes as an “act of aggression.”
On Sunday, US forces carried out their first strike on Iran’s Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz in more than a month. Iran subsequently attacked US forces in Jordan.
According to Bloomberg, the world is ignoring new US threats and continuing to trade with Iran. Washington’s attempt to launch an “economic offensive” has proved ineffective because of China’s position and allies’ reluctance to sever trade ties.
Meanwhile, Qatar is negotiating with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has agreed to draw up a list of conditions for restoring normal vessel traffic. However, according to Bloomberg, the strait may still be mined despite President Donald Trump’s claims that it has been completely cleared.
