Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East Program at George Washington University, said the U.S. strike on Larak Island was aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to monitor and surveil vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz rather than merely striking ships. He said the attack fits a pattern since July of U.S. targeting along Iran’s southern coast, judged U.S. claims that Iran was preparing to lay sea mines credible, and added that Tehran’s war plans were drawn up in advance and may have been awaitin

Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East Program at George Washington University, said the U.S. strike on Larak Island was aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to monitor and surveil vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz rather than merely striking ships. He said the attack fits a pattern since July of U.S. targeting along Iran’s southern coast, judged U.S. claims that Iran was preparing to lay sea mines credible, and added that Tehran’s war plans were drawn up in advance and may have been awaiting an opportunity to strike Jordan.