Iran Launches Major Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases Amid Escalating Tensions
Iran's Response to US and Israeli Attacks
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced significant retaliatory actions targeting US military installations throughout the Gulf region. This response follows coordinated assaults by the United States and Israel on Iranian positions. Residents in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, and Bahrain reported hearing explosions.
Details of the Attacks on US Bases
Bahrain reported that a missile strike targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet base located in Juffair. Sirens were activated in various parts of the country as smoke was observed rising from the vicinity. Eyewitnesses described hearing blasts and air-raid alerts while defense systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles. The extent of any injuries or damage at the base remains unverified.
Motivation Behind Iran's Retaliation
The Iranian strikes were a direct response to a significant joint operation by the United States and Israel, dubbed Operation Epic Fury. Initial reports indicated that the first wave of attacks aimed at high-ranking Iranian officials. An Israeli source mentioned that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among the intended targets, although their current status remains unverified. Some reports suggested that Khamenei had been relocated to a secure location.