Iran claims to strike multiple US military targets in response to the attack on Larak Island.

Xinhua News Agency, Tehran, August 31 - The Iranian Foreign Ministry and military stated on August 31 that in response to the U.S. military's attack on Iran's Larak Island, the Iranian armed forces struck U.S. military targets in Jordan and the UAE, and shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone.

On the same day, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the U.S. military attacked parts of Larak Island on the 30th, resulting in casualties and violating Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, the Iranian armed forces carried out "defensive and deterrent strikes" against U.S. military bases in Jordan. Iran claimed that the relevant bases were used to launch and support U.S. military operations against Iran.

According to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency on the 31st, the Iranian military issued a statement saying that in response to recent attacks, it deployed dozens of suicide drones early that morning to strike U.S. personnel and helicopters at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. However, the UAE Ministry of Defense also issued a statement denying that the Al Minhad Air Base was attacked by missiles, stating that media reports were inaccurate.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on the 31st that air defense forces used missiles to hit a U.S. MQ-9 long-range drone over the Strait of Hormuz, which subsequently fell into the Persian Gulf. Iran did not disclose specific information regarding the timing of the drone's downing.

Additionally, the IRGC Navy reported that a large oil tanker attempting to pass through the southern Strait of Hormuz struck a mine, resulting in a severe fire and complete cessation of navigation. The IRGC Navy warned that vessels must comply with the navigation regulations for the Strait of Hormuz announced by Iran, and vessels that violate these regulations may face similar consequences. The statement did not disclose the name, origin, or casualty details of the oil tanker.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the "only factor" continuously threatening shipping safety in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, along with ongoing "provocative and interventionist actions." The Iranian armed forces "will not hesitate in exercising the right to self-defense" and will respond resolutely.