Kathmandu— The United States conducted strikes on Sunday against military targets on Larak Island, alleging that Iran was planning to use rockets to lay sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The US described its action as a “limited, precise” response aimed at preventing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from deploying mines via rocket launchers. In retaliation, Iran attacked two US bases in Jordan and condemned the strikes as an act of aggression.

Technical Feasibility

Harlan Ullman, a retired senior US naval officer, questioned the plausibility of using rockets to deploy sea mines. He noted that the impact of a rocket hitting water would likely damage any attached mines. However, Iran has demonstrated its ability to use missiles for this purpose during naval exercises in January 2025 with the Fajr-5 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

Iran's Fajr-5 MLRS

The Fajr-5 is a medium-range rocket system capable of firing up to four artillery rockets from a mobile, multi-tube truck system. It has a range of about 75km and can be equipped with highly precise navigation systems in newer variants like the Fajr-5c. Analysts have noted that Iran’s use of this system for mine-laying is innovative but concerning due to its potential to spread mines over vast areas.

Mine Deployment Tactics

Traditionally, sea mines are deployed using specialized surface warships, submarines, or aircraft. However, Iran has relied on fast attack boats to drop explosives into the Strait of Hormuz waters before quickly retreating. The US Navy typically uses Avenger-class mine destroyers for clearing operations due to their design that minimizes magnetic detection.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.