Conflict Overview
U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, Reuters reported, citing a U.S. official. The launchers belonged to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces that were observed preparing rockets equipped with sea mines for deployment into the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Retaliation
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan. Iranian state media said several soldiers and civilians were killed and injured in the exchange. A Fox News reporter later indicated that nearly all of the missiles were intercepted and that no major impacts were observed.
Supreme Leader’s Appeal
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a rare written message on his Telegram account during Islamic Unity Week, urging Gulf rulers to unite against what he termed their “real enemy.” He called on Muslim countries, especially Gulf states, to strengthen cooperation and mutual defence, warning that divisions among Muslim nations benefit adversaries. The message followed a similar appeal on the preceding Friday urging Iranian authorities to avoid statements that could weaken public morale. Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months earlier, which also killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
IRGC Intelligence Statement
Iran’s IRGC Intelligence Organization warned that the “enemy” was employing psychological warfare to undermine national stability and resilience. It declared Iran’s response would be to disrupt the enemy’s command capabilities, strike networks of terrorist collaborators, and confront those seeking to undermine stability and unity.
Strait of Hormuz Closure
Iran continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, maintaining pressure on global energy markets. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated Tehran was in no hurry to reopen the strategic waterway. The IRGC affirmed it remains firmly in control of the strait, rejecting U.S. statements about shipping access and accusing Washington of attempting to influence energy prices. The closure remains one of the war’s biggest risks to global oil supplies, as the strait is a critical conduit for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports from the Gulf.
Regional Diplomatic Activity
Iraq offered to act as a bridge between Tehran and Washington amid heightened U.S. economic pressure on Iran under the Trump administration. Lebanon’s foreign ministry instructed Iran to conduct its relations through Lebanon’s legitimate state institutions, responding to Iran’s foreign minister’s desire to engage both the Lebanese government and other political factions.
Maritime Incidents
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a delayed notification of a tanker struck by an unknown projectile 12 nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday; no casualties were reported. Additionally, Yemen’s National Resistance Forces intercepted a vessel in the Red Sea that was reportedly transporting Iranian military equipment to the Houthis; the shipment included components intended for the production and development of attack drones.
Conflict Context
These developments occur roughly six months into the conflict, with Tehran facing intensified U.S. sanctions alongside ongoing military and economic pressure. Market tickers reflected broader energy market movements, with Light Crude Oil (LCO) up 4.64%, Crude Light (CL) up 1.97%, and Natural Gas (NG) down 0.35%.