U.S. Central Command reported that on Sunday night missiles and a drone were launched from Washington against Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps minelaying forces on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strike was described as “limited, precise action” targeting IRGC rocket launchers. Iran’s Tasnim news agency said at least three people were killed, including two members of the Revolutionary Guards Navy.
In response, Iran hit U.S. military installations in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, claiming damage to technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities and enemy fighter jet positions. President Donald Trump told Fox News the United States would “hit them hard” and later posted an AI‑generated video on Truth Social depicting Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub, being “blown to smithereens.” Vice President JD Vance said Trump was “switching it up” on social media to send a message.
Iranian officials ridiculed the video, with Hamid Bovard of the National Iranian Oil Company calling Trump’s posts “laughable” and asserting that conditions on Kharg were calm. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking after extending sanctions, said Iran was “in shock at the state of their economy” and likely lashing out kinetically. Trump continued his criticism on Truth Social, labeling Iran a “failed nation” and asserting it lacked a navy, air force, currency and functional leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran remains open to a negotiated settlement, noting that continuing the war serves no one’s interests. An interim agreement earlier this month has lapsed, and talks remain stalled despite Pakistani mediation. Unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict enters its seventh month.
