US Conducts First Strike on Iran Since July Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The United States has conducted an airstrike on Larak Island in southern Iran, marking the first such attack on the country since late July. The strike, confirmed by a US official speaking to Al Jazeera, targeted launchers that were preparing to fire rockets laden with mines towards the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has vowed retaliation for the attack, which risks reigniting military tensions as the US shifts its strategy from a bombing campaign to financial pressure. The conflict between the US and Iran has entered its seventh month, with the US now focusing on isolating Iran economically through sanctions.

The US official explained that the strikes were aimed at preventing the launch of rockets carrying mines that could disrupt the vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. Iran's Fars News Agency initially reported explosions near the island, and later, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, attributing it to the "American-Zionist enemy" and confirming that several soldiers were killed and injured.

The IRGC warned in a statement that the attack would be met with "punishment of the aggressor," signaling Iran's readiness to respond to the latest provocation. In recent weeks, the US has claimed control over the strategic waterway, asserting that it is successfully managing to transport millions of barrels of oil through Hormuz under its military protection, despite Iran's blockade of the strait.

Despite the US's claims, attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have continued almost daily, with Iran maintaining that the strait remains closed. The airstrike on Larak Island indicates that the US is still prepared to use military force, even as it focuses on sanctions to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme and its claims of control over Hormuz.

Iran has previously responded to similar US attacks by launching missiles and drones at military bases hosting US troops in neighboring countries. Last week, the administration of US President Donald Trump announced a push to isolate Iran financially by threatening secondary sanctions against countries and companies that do business with Tehran.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has warned, however, that the US is still prepared to use military force if necessary. US officials have been highlighting what they describe as Iran's loss of control over Hormuz, while arguing that the country is on the verge of economic collapse due to sanctions and the military blockade against its ports.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, dismissed reports that the US is managing to get large amounts of oil out of Hormuz. "Our intelligence shows major efforts to game energy markets," Araghchi wrote on X. "US Govt elements use gullible media to influence prices for personal gain and keep [Trump] mired in a losing war. Israel-aligned actors also promote war with rosy assessments. U.S. consumers feel the real bottom line."

Despite the reports of the US ending – or at least easing – Iran's control of Hormuz, oil prices have remained high amid supply uncertainty. The average price of one gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol in the US is still more than $4, up from less than $3 when the US and Israel launched the war late in February.

The skyrocketing energy prices, which are fueling inflation in the US, could hurt Trump's Republican Party's chances of maintaining control of Congress in the midterm elections in November.