Iran says it targeted U.S. air base in missile and drone strike

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in the Gulf region, including an air base and a U.S. naval vessel, in what it described as retaliation for recent American attacks. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday that the IRGC said a U.S. air and helicopter base located in a regional country, as well as assets linked to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, were targeted during the operation. The IRGC said the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as a U.S. attack on an Iranian oil tanker and a separate airstrike on a communications facility operated by the force on Qeshm Island. The statement did not identify the country hosting the targeted U.S. base. The claims came hours after Kuwait announced that its air defense systems had intercepted what it described as hostile missiles and drones. Kuwaiti authorities later suspended operations at Kuwait International Airport and diverted flights after damage was reported at airport facilities and several people were injured. Bahrain also activated emergency warning sirens overnight and urged residents to move to the nearest safe locations, highlighting growing concerns over regional security. Washington has not immediately confirmed the Iranian claims. U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Tehran of threatening regional stability and targeting American interests through missile and drone operations. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its military actions are defensive responses to U.S. and Israeli attacks. The latest developments underscore the fragility of the ceasefire that followed weeks of direct confrontation between the United States and Iran. Although both sides agreed to halt large-scale military operations, sporadic incidents and mutual accusations have continued. The Gulf region hosts several major U.S. military installations, making countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar strategically important to Washington’s security presence in the Middle East. Regional governments have increased security measures around airports, energy infrastructure and military facilities since the conflict escalated. Diplomatic efforts to transform the ceasefire into a broader agreement remain underway. Negotiations have focused on regional security arrangements, maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and future discussions over Iran’s nuclear program, but significant differences remain between Tehran and Washington. The post Iran says it targeted U.S. air base in missile and drone strike appeared first on Khaama Press.