Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed on Friday that it had targeted and destroyed a U.S. early-warning radar installation in Bahrain.
The announcement came hours after Iranian state media reported an air attack on a telecommunications tower in the southern port city of Sirik in Hormozgan province. The IRGC described its action as a direct response and issued a warning against further U.S. provocations or oil smuggling through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command rejected the Iranian claim. Officials stated that American forces intercepted and shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones headed toward Bahrain, with no injuries or damage reported to any U.S. assets or personnel.
The incident marks the first Iranian claim of striking American military assets in a Gulf country since early September amid an eight-month conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran has previously launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in the region and attempted to disrupt shipping through the vital waterway.
Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and maintains close security ties with Washington. Neither the U.S. nor Bahraini authorities issued immediate additional statements beyond the CENTCOM denial.
The claims emerged during a fragile lull in hostilities. President Donald Trump stated in recent interviews that he would respond to Iranian aggression only if necessary, noting that some Gulf allies have urged restraint on large-scale strikes.
Iranian statements used the term "enemy" to refer to the United States and Israel without directly attributing the Sirik attack. The port town has faced repeated strikes since the conflict began due to its role in monitoring the Strait of Hormuz.
Independent verification of the competing accounts remains unavailable. The episode underscores ongoing tensions over regional security and energy routes.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.