Iran says it hit US-linked targets as Bahrain reports drone attack

Iran announced Saturday it launched "defensive" strikes against targets linked to U.S. forces, asserting retaliation for American airstrikes on its southern coast. The Iranian foreign ministry did not specify the locations of these attacks, which it claimed were a response to "barbaric air strikes" on its surveillance facilities that also violated the UN Charter.

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defensive

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, condemned what it described as an Iranian drone attack on its sovereign territory. The kingdom called the action a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its security, reserving its right to self-defense.

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the barbaric air strikes

Washington had not immediately commented on Iran's claim of striking American targets. The U.S. military had previously stated its Friday strikes were a response to an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. Iran had not claimed responsibility for the earlier cargo ship strike but asserted its authority to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning Gulf states against siding with Washington.

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flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its security

Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards delivered a "decisive response" after U.S. forces hit a communications tower in the port city of Sirik. However, Iran's Mehr news agency indicated the port was operating normally with no reported damage to facilities or equipment. Bahrain criticized Iran's continued attacks, stating they undermined regional peace and stability despite de-escalation efforts, and accused Tehran of breaching UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and a recent memorandum of understanding.

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unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping