The United States military launched airstrikes against dozens of military targets in Iran on Monday, in an operation ordered by President Donald Trump aimed at crippling Tehran’s ability to attack foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with salvos of missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, marking a sharp escalation in the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it struck „dozens of targets in multiple locations using precision munitions to limit Iran’s ability to continue attacks on foreign shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.” The command stated it was executing presidential orders to hold Iranian forces accountable. The strikes destroyed Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar stations, missile and drone installations, and small boats, CENTCOM said.
– We used fighter jets, warships, and one-way attack drones operating in the air and at sea for the first time in this operation – said CENTCOM. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it, the command added.
New weapons systems deployed in Persian Gulf
The operation marks the first combat use of a new class of loitering munitions and unmanned surface vessels by U.S. forces. Analysts note that the strikes were designed to test integrated multi-domain attack capabilities against a heavily defended coastline.
– In the wake of the American enemy attack that struck an agricultural water pumping station in Mahshahr, one person was martyred and four others were injured – said Waliollah Hajati, deputy governor of Khuzestan province, as quoted by the IRNA agency. The civilian casualty drew condemnation from Tehran.
Iranian retaliation hits multiple US bases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with at least three waves of attacks. In the first wave, drones and missiles hit the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, causing fires at fuel and ammunition depots. The second wave targeted the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, striking helicopter maintenance workshops, a P-8 aircraft hangar, and the U.S. drone command and control center. The IRGC claimed the third wave completely destroyed fuel tanks and Patriot air defense systems at Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as an FPS strategic radar system at Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base. The IRGC vowed to continue operations.
The current escalation stems from the IRGC navy’s seizure of two foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, accusing them of illegal navigation and disabling tracking systems. CENTCOM announced on Sunday that strikes ordered by President Trump aim to strip Iran of the ability to attack commercial shipping. While Iran declared the strait closed until further notice, Trump insisted it remains open for commercial vessels.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
