US Attacks Iranian Island to Protect Key Oil Shipping Route

On August 30, 2026, US forces attacked Iran's Lark Island, destroying rocket launchers set up to drop mines into a narrow shipping lane that carries about a fifth of the world's oil. Mines are explosives hidden underwater to damage ships. Iran confirmed soldiers were killed and promised revenge. The attack came during a six-month US-Israel war on Iran, and Iran's next response may not separate US from Israeli targets.