Larak Strike Turns Hormuz Into a Mine-War Energy Shock

U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz on August 30 after U.S. officials said IRGC personnel were preparing rockets carrying sea mines for the waterway. Iran claimed retaliatory strikes on bases hosting U.S. forces in Jordan, the UAE reported dealing with a drone from Iran over its territorial waters, and Brent crude moved back above $90 as traders repriced disruption risk. The immediate question is whether this remains a limited counter-mining action or becomes a broader contest over who can keep Hormuz usable.