The United States strikes the Iranian island of Larak; Tehran promises retaliation.

The US military conducted airstrikes on Larak Island in southern Iran on Sunday, August 30, marking the first US attack on the country since late July. Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed casualties and promised a response.

A US official confirmed that the strikes targeted launchers designed to fire mine-laden rockets toward the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian news agency Fars News had reported explosions near the island before the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially acknowledged the attack, attributing it to "the American-Zionist enemy."

The IRGC stated that the attack resulted in deaths and injuries among its soldiers. "This act will be met with a response from the sons of Islamic Iran and will lead to the punishment of the aggressor," it said in a statement. IRGC spokesman Sardar Mohebi accused Washington of committing "a strategic and fatal error," the consequences of which will be felt "in the economic and military arenas."

This attack comes as the United States has recently emphasized a strategy of financial pressure rather than military force. Last week, the Trump administration announced a strengthening of secondary sanctions targeting countries and companies maintaining trade relations with Tehran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, warned that Washington remained prepared to use force if necessary.

The conflict, now in its seventh month since it was triggered in late February by the United States and Israel, revolves primarily around control of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington claims to be transporting millions of barrels of oil daily under military escort, despite the Iranian blockade. Tehran disputes this version: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected these claims on Saturday, denouncing them as attempts to manipulate energy markets for personal gain.

Economically, the repercussions of the conflict are being felt in the United States. The average price of a gallon of gasoline is now over four dollars, compared to less than three dollars before the start of the war. This energy inflation could weigh on the Republican Party's chances of retaining control of Congress in the midterm elections in November.

Iran has previously responded to similar US attacks by launching missiles and drones against military bases housing American troops in neighboring countries. Tehran has reaffirmed its determination to maintain this resistance over time.