Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jul 14: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a series of missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan, marking another sharp escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC said its naval forces struck several US military installations in Bahrain, including weapons storage facilities, a satellite communications centre, troop accommodation and multiple radar systems. The force also claimed that its Aerospace Force carried out coordinated missile and drone strikes on the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet, alleging that fuel storage facilities at the base were set on fire.
The IRGC further asserted that the attacks destroyed a Patriot air defence radar, the Fifth Fleet's air-control radar and a Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) early warning radar system. These claims have not been independently verified.
In a separate statement, the IRGC said it launched a ballistic missile at a US military installation in Jordan, describing it as a base used to carry out operations against Iran. The organisation said the strike was aimed at American forces and stressed that it was not directed against the people of Jordan.
The reported attacks came shortly after the United States initiated another wave of military strikes on Iranian targets. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it began a third consecutive night of operations on Monday evening (US time), stating that the action was carried out under orders from President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the White House before the latest operation, President Trump warned that US forces would intensify their military campaign against Iran, saying the strikes would continue over successive days.
Trump also renewed his call for wealthy Gulf nations to share the financial burden of regional security, arguing that the United States spends heavily to protect allies and strategic interests in the Gulf despite its reduced dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
"I want to be reimbursed because we're protecting a very rich portion of the world," Trump told reporters, adding that countries benefiting from US military protection should contribute more towards the cost of those operations.
The latest exchange of attacks underscores the rapidly worsening security situation in the region, with both sides continuing military operations amid fears of a broader conflict.