US attacks Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, first strike since July

Tehran confirmed that a recent U.S. airstrike resulted in civilian deaths, marking the first known American attack on Iranian territory since a series of strikes in late July. Iranian officials said the operation targeted a location in the southeastern province of Sistan‑Baluchestan, where a small number of civilians were killed and several others injured. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a violation of international law and demanded an immediate halt to further U.S. actions in the region.

U.S. Central Command did not comment on the specific incident but reiterated that American forces continue to act in accordance with established rules of engagement aimed at countering terrorist threats. The July attacks, which targeted facilities linked to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, had been the last publicly acknowledged U.S. strikes involving Iranian interests. Analysts note that the new strike could heighten tensions between Washington and Tehran, already strained over proxy conflicts and nuclear negotiations.

Both governments called for diplomatic channels to address the escalation, with Iran urging the United Nations to investigate the civilian casualties and the United States urging restraint to avoid broader conflict. The incident underscores the fragile security environment in the Middle East and the potential for isolated operations to spark wider regional repercussions.