Iran Reaffirms 'Right to Defend Itself' After Striking U.S. Bases

Iran's Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed its "right to self-defense" following airstrikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East. The ministry issued a stern warning to Persian Gulf countries, holding them responsible for preventing any use of their territory by the U.S. military for aggressive operations against Iran.

In a statement, Tehran declared it "will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defense, including attacking the origin of the attacks and the bases and logistical facilities used for aggressive operations against Iran." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian Army had previously announced the drone and missile attacks against U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. Kuwait also reported activating its air defenses.

The targets identified by the Revolutionary Guard included the U.S. Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in Jordan. The Jordanian Army confirmed intercepting five missiles launched by Iran, reporting no casualties or material damage. These actions were explicitly stated as retaliation for recent U.S. military aggression against Iran.

The escalation follows U.S. attacks on Iranian soil, which were reportedly in response to Iran shooting down a U.S. helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command confirmed strikes against Iranian targets, including air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radars near the Strait. The U.S. helicopter incident, where two soldiers were rescued, has heightened regional tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously demanding an "immediate" end to hostilities from all parties, including Israel.

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will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defense, including attacking the origin of the attacks and the bases and logistical facilities used for aggressive operations against Iran.