Iran attacks US bases in Jordan after US strikes Larak Island
The latest exchange marks a fresh escalation in the conflict between Washington and Tehran after weeks of relative calm. Reuters reported that the US strikes were the first known American attacks on Iran since late July.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted US military bases in Jordan in response to the American operation.
Jordan’s military said its air defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered the country’s airspace. No significant damage or injuries were immediately reported.
US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak Island
The latest escalation began after US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
A US official said the launchers were being prepared by Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a major international shipping route and remains at the centre of the confrontation between Iran and the United States.
US officials said the operation was aimed at preventing Iran from disrupting shipping through the strategic waterway. The US military has previously warned Iran against placing new mines in international waters.
Jordan intercepts eight missiles
Iran’s retaliation targeted US military positions in Jordan, according to Iranian statements.
Jordan’s army said its air defence systems intercepted eight missiles after they entered the country’s airspace. The Jordanian military did not report significant damage from the attack.
The reported interception helped prevent the latest exchange from causing greater damage inside Jordan. Jordan hosts US military assets and has remained closely aligned with Washington during the conflict.
Iran also claims UAE target
Iranian state media separately reported that the country’s army targeted Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates with drones. Iran said the base was targeted because US forces and helicopters were stationed there.
However, the UAE denied reports that Al Minhad Air Base was struck. UAE authorities said an Iranian drone was intercepted over the country’s territorial waters. The conflicting claims mean the extent of any damage in the UAE remains unclear.
Iran reports casualties from Larak strike
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the US attack on Larak Island killed and wounded Iranian fighters and civilians.
The Iranian side did not immediately provide a specific casualty figure. Iranian state media also reported that an explosion was heard near Larak Island, although the cause was initially unclear.
Reuters separately reported the explosion but said its cause could not be independently established. The conflicting accounts highlight the difficulty of verifying battlefield developments as tensions rise.
Strait of Hormuz remains at centre of conflict
The latest confrontation is closely linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
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The waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for energy shipments and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Any prolonged disruption could affect global oil supplies and international shipping.
The United States has repeatedly warned Iran against placing new mines in the waterway. Tehran, meanwhile, has continued to assert its position over shipping through the strait.
Trump warns against new mines
US President Donald Trump has previously warned Iran against laying new mines in international waters. Washington has said mines could threaten commercial vessels and disrupt the movement of goods and energy supplies.
The US military has also said its forces are monitoring the area and are prepared to protect shipping through the waterway. The latest strikes came shortly after US forces carried out operations to remove mines from shipping routes in the strait.
Conflict enters another dangerous phase
The latest exchange represents the first major flare-up between the US and Iran since late July.
The conflict began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military forces. The confrontation has now entered its sixth month and remains unresolved.
Recent diplomatic efforts have failed to produce a lasting settlement, while Washington has continued to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Risk of wider regional escalation
The attacks in Jordan and the reported targeting of US-linked assets in the UAE could increase concerns about a wider regional conflict. Jordan and the UAE are US allies and host American military assets.
Any further attacks on these positions could draw additional countries deeper into the confrontation. Regional governments are therefore under pressure to protect their territory while avoiding direct involvement in the broader conflict.
