In a statement issued shortly after the terrorist attack on Sunday night, the IRGC Public Relations Department said the American-Zionist enemy, acting out of desperation over its domestic failures and falling standing among regional states, once again sought to revive its “sinister role” and shape public opinion through an act of aggression.

“In an aggressive act, [the enemy] attacked Larak Island, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of several of our combatants and compatriots,” the statement said.

“This action will be answered by the sons of Islamic Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor.”

The IRGC opened the statement with the Qur’anic verse: “Indeed, We will take vengeance upon the criminals.”

The Tasnim News Agency, citing initial field reports, said two people were martyred and two others wounded in the US assault. Local residents also reported hearing explosions near the island.

Larak sits at the northern edge of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have long described the island as part of the country’s sovereign territory and a front line in the defense of the Persian Gulf.

The American media later claimed US forces had struck “launchers” on the island. Tehran rejects such accounts as a familiar pretext used to justify attacks on Iranian soil and to cover the enemy’s inability to impose its will in the region.