MIDDLE EAST — On August 31 U.S. Central Command said an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claim that a southern-route supertanker struck two mines, caught fire, and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz, “False”.
The denial followed a 24-hour kinetic exchange that both capitals have now described in official channels. On August 30 the command said U.S. forces struck two IRGC launchers on Iran’s Larak Island after Guard forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait. CENTCOM said the raid was both limited and precise.
Capt. Tim Hawkins, the command spokesman, said U.S. forces struck two launchers and remained prepared to protect commercial traffic. He also said U.S. forces were monitoring the area closely and remained prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through the waterway.
