Iran claims drone strike on U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain after U.S. attacks

Smoke billowed after an explosion in Manama, Bahrain, in February. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain early on June 10. The IRGC stated the strike was a direct response to what it called "false pretexts" for U.S. airstrikes on several Iranian locations, including Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm Island, earlier that morning.

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Responding to the enemy's hostile actions, the IRGC naval forces launched a drone attack targeting the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain at 2:30 AM (local time).

The IRGC's statement detailed that the U.S. airstrikes had damaged a telecommunications tower in Sirik and destroyed two water tanks in the Bemani district. The IRGC warned of stronger repercussions if the attacks continued. In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry announced that air raid sirens sounded across the country, advising citizens to move to the nearest safe location.

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Despite battlefield setbacks, the U.S. chooses to test our resolve.

This escalation follows U.S. Central Command's announcement that its forces had begun "self-defense" strikes against Iran. The U.S. stated these actions were in retaliation for Iran allegedly shooting down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Hormozgan province, with Qeshm Island and the port city of Sirik also affected. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media X, "Despite battlefield setbacks, the U.S. chooses to test our resolve." He added, "Our mighty armed forces will respond to any attack or threat against us."

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Our mighty armed forces will respond to any attack or threat against us.