Iran claimed on Wednesday that its naval forces had launched a drone attack on the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.The attack was in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) infrastructure in southern Iran.The statement came hours after Bahrain sounded a missile alert and urged residents to seek asylum. Iranian state media reported that the attack targeted the Fifth Fleet base in Manama, one of the most important U.S. military installations in the Middle East.According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Shahed-136 unidirectional attack drone struck the base at around 2:30 a.m. local time.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that the operation was in response to U.S. attacks on the Iranian cities of Jask, Sirik and Qeshm.The Guards claimed the attack damaged civilian infrastructure on Iran’s southern coast.Explaining the reasons behind the attack, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the United States had attacked multiple locations in southern Iran earlier in the day.“The belligerent US regime attacked multiple locations in Jask, Sirik and Qeshm early this morning under false pretexts, damaging a telecommunications mast in Sirik and destroying two water tanks in the city,” the statement said, according to local media.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces targeted the U.S. Navy headquarters in Bahrain in retaliation.“In response to the vicious actions of the enemy, Iranian Revolutionary Guards naval fighter jets launched a drone strike against Bahrain’s 5th Navy at 2:30 am (2300 GMT Tuesday),” the statement added.The group also warned Washington against further military action.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning to the United States, saying it would take stronger action if attacks continued. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards further claimed that the conflict was still ongoing and said any additional U.S. military action would trigger a “stronger response.”More than 16 explosions were heard in Bahrain. According to Iraqi media reports, several Iranian missiles flew towards Bahrain.Meanwhile, in Jordan, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its aerospace force launched a long-range solid-fuel missile at a Jordanian air base hosting U.S. military personnel.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the attack hit four key targets, including an F-35 fighter hangar and a command and control center. It described the attack as part of a broader retaliatory campaign targeting U.S. military assets in the region.The 5th Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, oversees U.S. naval operations in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. It plays a key role in protecting waterways and maintaining regional security.Earlier, the United States launched new air strikes against Iran after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.U.S. fighter jets targeted Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites, according to U.S. Central Command. The United States said the operation was a response to recent threats against U.S. forces and commercial shipping.Iran, however, accused Washington of attacking civilian infrastructure and vowed to retaliate.
In the wake of recent tensions, should the United States reconsider its military presence in the Middle East?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the Iranian military would not ignore any attacks.“Iranian forces will not turn a blind eye to any attack or threat,” Araghchi wrote on X. “If you want to be safe, leave our area,” he added.The latest exchanges further intensified efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in the conflict. Just days ago, Iran and Israel exchanged fire for the first time since a fragile truce came into effect earlier this year.
