1:47 PM (local time, Gulf of Aqaba) – Iran unexpectedly deployed naval forces and IRGC special forces to land on Tiran Island – a key strategic location controlling the Tiran Strait and access to the Red Sea.

Tehran declared the island “liberated” from Egypt (despite Egypt’s control under the 1982 treaty), aiming to blockade Israel’s sea lanes to the Indian Ocean and pressure the US-Israel alliance in Operation Epic Fury.

But just minutes later, US Marines (from MEU 26th or 31st, deployed from the nearby amphibious ᴀssault ship USS America) responded swiftly:

AH-1Z Viper and MV-22 Osprey helicopters swooped down, firing rockets and machine guns with precision.

SEAL special forces and Marines landed in speedboats, eliminating IRGC forces on shore within 12-15 minutes.

Nearby American destroyers (Arleigh Burke-class) fired Tomahawk missiles and provided 5-inch gun support – the entire Iranian force was repelled or destroyed.

Result: Iran lost two fast landing craft, dozens of special forces killed, and Tiran Island remained under Egyptian/US-Israeli control. Tehran was deeply shocked by the speed and power of the response – this was the first disastrous failure of the IRGC in a field “island capture” operation since the war broke out.

Smoke billowed across the Tiran Strait, explosions echoed from the interception, and debris from ships and armored vehicles flew everywhere – this blow forced Iran to reconsider all plans to blockade the Red Sea.

Will Tehran dare to try again? Or is this the “red line” that will force the IRGC to retreat to the Persian Gulf? The situation is changing by the hour – watch the Marines’ action footage for the latest updates!