Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps launched missile attacks against US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain on Tuesday, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes were reportedly in response to US airstrikes on Iran’s southern coast following a helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz.
Retaliation for US Airstrikes
The Revolutionary Guards claimed they targeted the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan, which hosts US F-35 fighter jets, as well as American facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its forces repelled the attacks, stating it remains prepared to defend against further Iranian aggression.
"Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the U.S. opted to test our determination," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, vowing that no attack would go unanswered.
Background of Escalation
The US launched airstrikes after an Apache helicopter crashed in the Strait of Hormuz, with initial reports suggesting a collision with an Iranian drone. Two crew members were rescued in stable condition. Former President Donald Trump, who had initially downplayed the incident, later called for a US response.
Kuwait and Bahrain issued air raid alerts amid the attacks, while Iran’s state media claimed no military operations had occurred in the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s southern city of Tyre resulted in 11 casualties, further complicating the regional crisis.