Iran Retaliates After US Strike on Larak Island as Jordan Intercepts 8 Missiles

The United States and Iran have exchanged direct military strikes for the first time in several weeks, raising fresh concerns over a wider escalation in the Middle East.

The latest confrontation began after US forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the launchers were being prepared for operations involving rockets and naval mines in the strategically important waterway.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later said it launched ballistic missiles at the King Hussein and Al-Azraq US military bases in Jordan in retaliation for the Larak Island attack. Tehran described the response as a legitimate act of self-defence.

Jordan's military said its air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered the country's airspace. No casualties were reported from the attack.

Iran also claimed that it targeted US military assets at the Al-Minhad air base in the United Arab Emirates with drones. However, the UAE denied that the air base had been targeted, while confirming that it had intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters.

Rising Tensions Around the Strait of Hormuz

Larak Island lies close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes. The ongoing conflict has already severely disrupted commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek war but would not remain silent in the face of aggression. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned that Washington would respond forcefully to Iran's retaliation.

The latest exchange marks a significant escalation after weeks of relative calm and could further affect regional security, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets.

Referance: BBC