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Iran launches retaliatory strikes on US bases
Iranian forces targeted a US naval base in Bahrain on Saturday, part of a broader wave of missile attacks across the Middle East in response to what Tehran described as a "massive" joint assault by the US and Israel.
Black smoke rises over Bahrain naval base
Thick plumes of smoke were observed near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, following the strike. The extent of damage remains unconfirmed, and US officials have not issued a statement. Bahraini authorities acknowledged the attack on Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the home port for anti-mine and logistical support vessels, though it is unclear whether any ships were present at the time.
Regional missile interceptions reported
Several Gulf nations, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait-all hosting US military installations-reported intercepting missiles in their airspace. Qatar's defense ministry stated it had shot down multiple projectiles apparently aimed at the al-Udeid air base, the largest US military facility in the region.
UAE confirms civilian casualty
The UAE's defense ministry said its air defenses intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles but noted that debris fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and killing one civilian.
Iran frames strikes as retaliation
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the attacks as part of "Operation Truthful Promise 4," a response to a joint US-Israeli strike earlier Saturday. That assault, launched at approximately 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), targeted sites linked to Iran's leadership. US President Donald Trump later urged Iranians to "rise up against the regime."
Israel and Jordan respond to missile threats
In Israel, air raid sirens sounded throughout the day as the military reported multiple Iranian missile launches. The Israeli air force worked to intercept the projectiles. Meanwhile, Jordan's armed forces said they shot down two ballistic missiles aimed at its territory, with no reported casualties.
Iran vows further action
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US-Israeli strike as "unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate," warning that Iran's armed forces "are prepared for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve."
US military presence in the region
The US maintains approximately 13 military bases across the Middle East, typically hosting 30,000 to 40,000 troops. The latest escalation marks a significant deterioration in regional tensions.
