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.

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Witnesses described a large explosion near the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, with debris landing close to the Fairmont The Palm hotel on Palm Jumeirah. Eyewitnesses reported loud noises and observed black smoke rising into the sky. Two individuals informed news agencies that they saw smoke near the hotel, prompting ambulances to respond to the scene.

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UAE officials stated that their air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of incoming threats, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Online visuals depicted flames near the entrance of the Fairmont The Palm, likely caused by debris from intercepted missiles. Iran claimed its strikes were aimed at several critical US military locations, including Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Residents in these regions reported hearing explosions as air defense systems engaged incoming missiles and drones. Airspace was closed in Qatar, the UAE, and other Gulf nations, leading to flight suspensions.

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.

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In Qatar, officials confirmed that Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, was also targeted. The Qatari Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense forces collaborated with US forces to intercept incoming missiles. Subsequently, the country closed its airspace as a precaution. While reports indicated successful interceptions, comprehensive details are still pending.

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.

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US President Donald Trump confirmed the involvement of the United States in these attacks, warning that bombs would be deployed extensively. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US bases and Israel. A nationwide alert was issued in Israel as several incoming missiles were intercepted. The IRGC commander, Jabari, stated that Iran had only utilized its “scrap missiles” thus far and would soon unveil “unforeseen weapons.” Iranian state media also reported that a third wave of strikes against Israel was in progress, involving both missiles and drones. Across the Gulf region, air defense systems were activated, and explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. Airspace in Iran, Israel, and Iraq was also closed, resulting in numerous flight cancellations.