US Central Command says it struck dozens of targets, including air defense systems, to 'harm Iran's ability to attack commercial ships.' Reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it attacked American military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in response.
US forces struck dozens of air defense targets in southern Iran on Monday afternoon, with reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. US Central Command said the strikes targeted air defense systems to 'harm Iran's ability to attack commercial ships.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed in response that it attacked American military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The operation follows the overnight wave of US strikes reported earlier Monday (00:54 Jerusalem) against IRGC bases in Khandab, Arak, Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas, which CENTCOM confirmed at 05:39 Jerusalem as hitting dozens of targets including air defense, coastal radar, missile and drone sites, and small boats.
The overnight campaign was first reported through footage and local reports (00:54 Jerusalem) before CENTCOM issued a detailed statement at 05:39 Jerusalem confirming the completion of the strike wave, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz is 'not under Iranian control' and that US forces are prepared to ensure freedom of navigation. The new afternoon strikes expand the campaign, which aims to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM.
The IRGC's claim of retaliatory strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain echoes a series of similar assertions made by the Iranian military and the IRGC in recent weeks. As The Zioneer reported on July 8–9, 2026, the Iranian military and IRGC claimed strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar. On June 11, 2026, the IRGC claimed 18 American targets had been hit in two overnight waves, and on June 28, 2026, it released footage of missiles allegedly fired toward Bahrain and Kuwait. These claims have consistently lacked independent verification, and the pattern suggests the IRGC routinely announces retaliation after US strikes without providing evidence of impact.
The full extent of damage from Monday afternoon's strikes remains unclear, and the IRGC's claim of attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain has not been independently confirmed. No US confirmation or evidence of impact has been reported. The tit-for-tat exchange continues, with each side's claims exceeding independently verified facts.
4 developments
- ConfirmedMultiple explosions reported in southern Iran as targets struck, sources say
- StrongIran's army and Revolutionary Guard claim strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar
- ConfirmedUS official confirms ongoing strikes against Iran; new explosions heard in Bandar Abbas and Kish Island
- DevelopingIran fires missiles at US bases in the region; Gulf states activate air defenses
Source and signal
- Internal intake