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U.S. strikes Iran to prevent Hormuz mine threat

Barak Ravid

A blue and white cargo ship sits among several smaller red and gray vessels on a choppy sea, with a blurred person in the foreground and a hazy gray sky. — Ships are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 10. Photo: Ali Saeedi/Getty Images

The U.S. military struck Iranian military targets to prevent the deployment of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said.

Why it matters: This is the first known U.S. strike in Iran since late July when President Trump paused a two-week U.S. military campaign in the strait in late July.

Driving the news: The U.S. military last week finished clearing all mines from the strait's main shipping lane.

Trump said at the time that Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be "immediately and systematically destroyed."
"There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported a drone conducted the strike and two people have been killed and two others wounded.

What they're saying: "Earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into Strait of Hormuz," U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said.

He said U.S. forces are "monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce" through the strait.
The IRGC said in a statement the U.S. attack "will be answered by the sons of Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor"

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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U.S. strikes Iran to prevent Hormuz mine threat

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