Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it launched missile and drone strikes on 85 United States military sites in response to what it called American “aggression.” The group reported targeting the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, describing the operation as an “initial response” to US actions. The statement came after the US launched strikes on Iran overnight in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Alarms ring in Kuwait, Bahrain amid US-Iran escalation
Sirens have been activated across Kuwait and Bahrain on Wednesday morning, local time, according to the authorities, amid renewed escalation between the United States and Iran over the night. Concurrently, media outlets said ballistic missiles were launched from Iran. The target of the attack may have been the US Ali As Salem Air Base, while a series of explosions was said to have shaken Bahrain. Information also emerged about continued Iranian drone attacks against Bahrain. Tehran earlier vowed retaliation against the US.
US confirms launching ‘powerful’ Iran strikes
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its forces carried out strikes against Iranian targets. CENTCOM said the series of strikes, which it described as “powerful,” were conducted in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement described Iran’s latest action as a breach of the ceasefire and said the strikes were meant to impose costs and safeguard shipping routes. “Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” it said.
Rutte: Attacks on Iran ‘absolutely necessary’
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said on Wednesday that the new strikes on Iran by the United States were “absolutely necessary.” “When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire – we’ve seen what happened yesterday, with ships [in the Strait of Hormuz] being attacked – I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react,” he told reporters during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Furthermore, the NATO chief said he expects allies to reconfirm that Iran must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
NN: I guess Iran got a different memo. In their copy they get to control the straights. If this is allowed to continue they control the world oil supply. And by extension the global economy. We don’t let them have nukes. And we certainly do want them to control 25% of the worlds oil. We should deliver to them nukes. By B52 bomber!