Fact Check: Is IRGC's claim that US strikes in Strait of Hormuz were an 'act of aggression' true?

TEHRAN, IRAN:  The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has accused United States forces of committing an “act of aggression” after strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over security in the strategically important waterway. Here’s what the available evidence shows about the IRGC’s claim.

Claim: IRGC accused US forces of committing an ‘act of aggression'

US forces struck two IRGC rocket launchers on Larak Island on August 30. The US said the launchers were being prepared to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route. 

The strike marked the first known US military action against Iran since July and quickly increased tensions between the two countries.

Following the strikes, the IRGC condemned the US action as an “act of aggression” and warned of retaliation. Several social media users then shared posts presenting the US strikes as an unjustified attack. 

One post claimed, “US military says its strikes were not an 'act of aggression' and were 'limited' to counter threats in the Strait of Hormuz.” 

Another X user wrote, “US strikes Larak Island US forces hit two IRGC rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island after they were observed preparing to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.” 

The post also claimed, “C14 sources say dozens of IRGC personnel were killed and nearly 100 wounded. The IRGC confirmed casualties, called it a “terrorist act of aggression,” and vowed “response and punishment.” The competing accounts from the US and Iran helped fuel the claim online.

Fact Check: The IRGC's claim is false

The IRGC’s claim is false. CENTCOM stated, “U.S. forces took limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces posing an imminent threat in the Strait of Hormuz."

It added, "In essence, Iran created the threat, and the U.S. military eliminated it to protect civilian mariners, commercial shipping, and the free flow of global commerce.”

Recent developments support CENTCOM’s account that the US strike targeted an immediate threat in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The timing of the strike also provides important context. The US had recently cleared mines from the Strait of Hormuz, making the reported preparation to deploy new mines a direct concern for shipping in the area.

After the US strike, Iran launched missiles at US military positions in Jordan, describing the action as retaliation.

These developments are consistent with CENTCOM’s description of the operation as a limited response to an imminent threat rather than an unprovoked attack.