Overnight: US strikes IRGC bases and drone depots in southern Iran, CENTCOM says

U.S. Central Command confirmed that the kinetic operations began at approximately 03:00 Jerusalem time on Thursday. This wave of strikes marks the end of a six-day operational lull, the longest such break since the high-intensity phase of the American campaign against the Iranian regime began earlier this summer. According to CENTCOM, the mission specifically targeted facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated units.

Targeted Infrastructure and Locations

The strikes were concentrated across southern and western Iran, focusing on provinces that host critical military and energy hubs. Reported locations include Khuzestan (specifically Ahvaz, Abadan, and Shadegan), Bushehr, and the Hormozgan region. Strategic maritime sites were also engaged, including Bandar Abbas and the islands of Qeshm and Kish. In Fars province, additional strikes were reported in the city of Sirik.

According to the U.S. military, the targets included command-and-control centers, missile storage depots, drone manufacturing and launch facilities, and coastal defense installations. These sites are integral to Iran's ability to monitor and threaten international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that some of the strikes were launched from assets based in Kuwait.

Reported Casualties and Damage

While the U.S. military emphasizes its focus on military infrastructure, Iranian official sources have begun reporting casualties. According to reports from official Iranian channels, a strike in a residential area on Qeshm Island resulted in the deaths of at least three people and left two others injured.

In the Khuzestan province, strikes were also reported near Abadan and Ahvaz. As The Zioneer reported in previous weeks, Iranian state media frequently highlights the human and civilian toll of these operations, while American officials emphasize the necessity of neutralizing the IRGC's offensive capabilities. Following the strikes, reports emerged that the IRGC attempted to fire toward an American base in eastern Jordan, identified by some sources as Muwaffaq Salti.

Strategic Context and Outlook

The resumption of strikes follows a period of heightened tension and a reported Iranian missile attempt against U.S. personnel in the region. CENTCOM disclosed that over 50,000 American troops are currently deployed across the Middle East to bolster deterrence and protect regional interests.

This latest operation underscores the shift in American policy toward active retaliation following the collapse of prior diplomatic understandings. By striking dozens of targets simultaneously after a week of quiet, Washington is signaling that its campaign to attrit Iranian military infrastructure is persistent. The regional balance of power remains volatile as observers wait to see if Tehran will attempt a multi-front retaliation against American assets or regional partners.