Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirms that its naval and aerospace forces executed a joint operation deploying missiles and drones against 85 sites linked to United States military facilities. These strikes directly targeted the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC describes this offensive as an initial response to alleged American aerial attacks on coastal bases and non-military infrastructure in Hormozgan and Mahshahr earlier today.
The geopolitical situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. Retired American naval officer and chairman of the Killowen Group, Harlan Ullman, characterises the current escalation as a very serious moment, warning that the situation could potentially widen into a regional war. While noting it remains in the interest of both sides to maintain some level of control, Ullman observes that Iran appears to be taunting the United States, perhaps calculating that Washington will feel restricted in its response due to the ongoing funeral processions for the late Iranian supreme leader. Ullman suggests Tehran aims to advance its position in negotiations by exerting pressure on President Trump.
Military operations from US Central Command (CENTCOM) reportedly began Tuesday following incidents involving three civilian-crewed commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reports that its forces struck over 80 targets, including anti-ship missile capabilities, command networks, and air defence systems. Iranian state media notes that many of these strikes affected civilian areas, reporting multiple injuries near the Sirik commercial pier.
In the wake of these events, Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared on social media that the era of bullying and extortion is over, stating that Iran will not fold. Furthermore, the Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters condemned the US strikes as a blatant act of aggression, reiterating that any vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must utilise routes authorised by Tehran or face a forceful response. Meanwhile, air raid sirens have activated across Kuwait and Bahrain, with authorities urging citizens to seek safety as military forces continue to intercept incoming threats.
-Al Jazeera
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