Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Saturday that US bases in region were targeted with missile strikes, describing the move as a response to what it called American attacks on the Iranian islands of Sirik and Qeshm.
In parallel, US Central Command confirmed it had downed four Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz and carried out strikes on radar sites inside Iran, framing the actions as defensive measures.
IRGC Claims Missile Strikes on US Bases
In a statement, the IRGC said that after what it described as US aggression against Sirik and Qeshm islands, American bases in the region were struck with missiles.
The statement added that two US air bases in Kuwait and what it described as the remaining US naval base in Bahrain were targeted in response to the alleged American strikes.
According to the IRGC, US drones later hit communication centers in Qeshm and Sirik following the initial exchange.
No independent confirmation of damage or casualties was immediately available.
US Central Command Reports Drone Interceptions
US Central Command said American forces intercepted four Iranian drones that had been launched toward the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, it said the drones posed a threat to maritime navigation, adding that US forces targeted Iranian radar installations on Qeshm Island and in the Gorouk area.
The command described the strikes as defensive actions aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting shipping routes.
Iranian Air Defenses Activated in Kharg
Iranian media reported that air defense systems were activated on Kharg Island and in southern areas of the country.
No official explanation was provided for the activation, and authorities did not immediately confirm whether it was linked to the reported US strikes.
Kharg Island is a key oil export terminal, making it strategically significant amid heightened tensions in the Gulf.
Strait of Hormuz at the Center of Escalation
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor, with a substantial share of the world’s oil shipments passing through it.
Key developments in the current escalation include:
– Iranian claims of missile strikes on US bases in region.
– US confirmation of downing Iranian drones.
– American strikes on radar sites in Qeshm and Gorouk.
– Activation of Iranian air defenses in southern areas.
The exchange of statements underscores rising tensions, raising concerns over maritime security and regional stability.
Conclusion:
The latest announcements from Tehran and Washington indicate a new phase of direct confrontation, with both sides asserting defensive or retaliatory actions. As the situation unfolds, attention remains focused on the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the broader implications for the Gulf region.
