Iran fired missiles from several locations across the country early Monday toward targets in the region, Iranian state television reported, in an escalation that followed a U.S. strike on Iranian territory a day earlier.
Iran’s Press TV said missile fire was directed toward U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, though it did not provide further details. State television separately reported explosions in the southern city of Sirik, saying they may be connected to the attacks in the strait.
Missiles launched from multiple provinces
According to reports, Iran launched ballistic missiles from Tehran, Lorestan, Karaj, Khorramabad and Shiraz, along with anti-ship cruise missiles from southern Iran aimed at the Strait of Hormuz. Separate reports indicated a missile barrage was also directed at a U.S.-linked air base in Jordan, though Jordanian officials, U.S. Central Command and Iran had not publicly confirmed that attack. Video circulating online appeared to show air-defense interceptors being launched over Jordanian airspace.
Context: strike on Larak Island
The missile launches came after U.S. forces struck two Iranian military launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, in what a U.S. official described as the first American strikes on Iranian territory since late July. The operation reportedly targeted systems believed to be preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strike killed and wounded several fighters and civilians and vowed to retaliate. Iran’s Tasnim news agency said preliminary information suggested the U.S. strike was carried out using drones.
Warning of further retaliation
Senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi warned that additional retaliation was forthcoming, saying on social media that any further testing of Iran’s resolve would “increase the cost” and warning of a “devastating” and “more painful” response.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained elevated since fighting between the two first erupted in late February.
