Iran Strikes U.S. Bases in Middle East in Massive Retaliation

Iran launched its most extensive military response to date against U.S. forces throughout the Middle East on Sunday, striking military bases and logistical infrastructure in multiple countries. This escalation followed a third wave of U.S. attacks on Iranian territory.

The retaliatory actions occurred in three consecutive phases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to maritime traffic until U.S. intervention in the region ceases. This development follows previous U.S. strikes targeting military facilities and communication infrastructure in southern Iran.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its operations hit approximately 140 targets, including missile and drone launch sites, naval assets, communication networks, and ammunition depots. Washington claims these strikes were a response to Iran targeting a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists the incident involved warning shots after the ship ignored navigation instructions.

The IRGC reported that the initial phase of its response targeted Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan using ballistic missiles. According to the IRGC, this strike destroyed command-and-control facilities and hangars used for MQ-9 reconnaissance drones. The statement also indicated the operation aimed to prevent U.S. efforts to establish an "illegal corridor" south of the Strait of Hormuz and accused Washington of attempting to impose its will on Oman regarding maritime navigation.

Iran further expanded its response by announcing attacks on other U.S. positions in the Gulf region, including Al Udeid in Qatar. The IRGC described recent U.S. strikes on Iran's southern coastal infrastructure as an attempt to cover previous military failures, warning that continued U.S. aggression would be met with harsher countermeasures.