Pratik AgrawalIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared it launched rockets and drones targeting the US 5th Fleet headquarters and a US military base. American forces, in turn, struck Iran’s Qeshm Island calling it a self-defense action while also shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran and the US Trade Blows in a Dangerous New Escalation
The Middle East flashpoint between Iran and the United States flared up sharply overnight with both sides now openly exchanging fire in what marks one of the most serious confrontations in recent months.
IRGC Strikes 5th Fleet Headquarters With Rockets and Drones
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared it launched a combined rocket and drone assault on the US military base and the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. The IRGC also claimed it struck the vessel “Panaya,” described as being linked to American interests. State broadcaster Press TV carried the IRGC’s statement, confirming the strikes had been carried out against the American naval hub a major command center for US naval operations in the Persian Gulf.
Also Read | US Military Shoots Down Iranian Missiles and Drones Aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain
America Fires Back, Qeshm Island Hit in “Self-Defense” Strike
US Central Command known as CENTCOM announced that American forces struck Iran’s Qeshm Island as a defensive response to Iranian attacks in the Middle East. CENTCOM posted on social media platform X “Forces of the United States carried out self-defensive strikes on Qeshm Island in response to Iranian attack attempts across the Middle East.” The target of the US strike was reportedly an Iranian military ground control station on the island.
Also Read | US Military Confirms Strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island
Missiles Shot Down Over Kuwait and Bahrain, Tanker Halted at Sea
American military forces also intercepted and destroyed several Iranian ballistic missiles and drones allegedly fired at Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait’s armed forces separately confirmed it repelled both drone and missile attacks that night. In Bahrain, air raid sirens sounded across the country and residents received urgent instructions to move to sheltered locations immediately. Beyond the air battle, CENTCOM reported immobilizing an oil tanker that attempted to reach Iran’s Kharg Island in direct violation of a US-imposed naval blockade.
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Explosions Heard Near Qeshm Tensions Confirm Overnight Violence
Earlier that night, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported sounds of explosions in the vicinity of Qeshm Island confirming the intensity of the overnight confrontation. The incidents paint a picture of simultaneous military action across multiple locations from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours of Wednesday.
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Iran Accuses Washington of Breaking the Ceasefire
The escalation follows Iran’s accusation on Monday that Washington violated an existing ceasefire agreement partly citing Israeli military strikes on Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, neither confirmed nor denied reports that the two countries had halted back-channel communications with each other.
Also Read | Explosions Heard Near Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf
Trump Says Talks Continue Announces Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Bid
US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are still ongoing despite the military exchange. Following separate conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, Trump also announced that Tel Aviv and Beirut intend to establish a ceasefire a development that could have wider implications for the regional conflict landscape.
Mayur Mohta
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
