The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced early Sunday that it had executed a large-scale missile and drone operation targeting eight US military installations across the region, describing the assault as a “decisive response” to what it characterized as renewed American military aggression against Iranian territory.
In an official statement, the IRGC confirmed that its Navy and Aerospace Force jointly conducted the operation between “2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. (local time),” striking eight “key US military installations,” including the Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters at Salman Port in Bahrain. The Corps reported that ballistic missiles and drones were deployed in the operation, claiming the targeted facilities were “destroyed.”
The IRGC’s statement framed the assault as a direct retaliation for earlier attacks by “the enemy” against five Iranian coastal outposts. “The aggressor enemy, whose very nature is characterized by breaking commitments and violating agreements, attacked five coastal outposts of the Islamic Republic in the early hours of today under the pretext of responding to the IRGC Navy’s confronting a trespassing vessel [in the Strait of Hormuz],” the statement read.
The operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, coming just hours after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had conducted strikes against targets inside Iran, claiming the action was in response to the targeting of a commercial oil tanker.
Warning Over Strait of Hormuz Enforcement
In a move that could have far-reaching implications for global shipping, the IRGC asserted that maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz falls under Iran’s jurisdiction pursuant to a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding recently signed between Iran and the United States. “Henceforth, vessels found to be in violation will be dealt with more firmly than before,” the Corps warned.
The IRGC further cautioned that “any future aggression by the enemy, regardless of the pretext and even if, as last night and tonight, it targets objectives deemed to be of minor importance, will be met with a crushing response.”
The force also emphasized that “the enemy should understand that violating the ceasefire constitutes a breach of Clause One of the Islamabad understanding and will result in the complete suspension of all related processes.”
Conflicting Reports on Ground
Shortly after CENTCOM’s announcement of new strikes against Iranian targets, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, citing an informed military source, reported explosions in Sirik County in the southern province of Hormozgan. According to the source, “The explosions that were heard were caused by several projectiles striking a telecommunications tower near the village of Tahrouyi in Sirik.”
Residents also reported hearing multiple explosions on Qeshm Island, though the exact locations and causes had not been determined at the time of reporting.
Escalating Cycle of Violence
The renewed exchange follows an incident on Friday in which the IRGC Navy fired warning shots at a vessel that had ignored warnings against using an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM subsequently reported strikes against military targets in Iran.
“And it (the United States) has now received the necessary response,” the force said at the time, adding, “The same will apply to any future violations. Should this aggression be repeated, our response will be broader than this.”
American forces have repeatedly violated a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 7 during the latest round of unprovoked US-Israeli military aggression against Iran, according to Iranian officials. Iran has responded to what it terms “unwarranted aggression” with at least 100 retaliatory strikes and has continued to respond to subsequent ceasefire violations.
The current escalation comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began in early April. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes, has emerged as a critical flashpoint in the conflict, with both sides warning of further military action should their respective red lines be crossed.
Source: Iranian media (edited by Al-Manar)