War in the Middle East: Iran attacks US bases after new strikes from Washington

American military strikes against Iran on August 31 triggered retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces targeting U.S. military bases in the Gulf region, according to multiple reports. The attacks occurred amid heightened tensions following recent escalations in the Middle East. The United States launched airstrikes against targets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including air defense systems, radar facilities, and maritime infrastructure, as stated by the U.S. Central Command (Centcom). The command announced the end of this wave of strikes, which were conducted in response to perceived threats posed by Iran's activities in the Strait of Hormuz and its actions against U.S. military personnel deployed in the area. In retaliation, Iran claimed to have launched a “decisive operation” aimed at U.S. bases and interests in the region using both missiles and drones. According to state media, the IRGC targeted U.S. military installations in Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The Jordanian army confirmed intercepting ten Iranian missiles, while three others struck areas away from populated zones without causing casualties. In Kuwait, reports indicated that hostile drones and missiles were detected, with one drone reportedly causing a fire in a residential complex in the capital. Iran’s military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, warned of further “broader and more destructive” responses should U.S. attacks continue, extending the warning to any country cooperating with the U.S. military. The American strikes reportedly caused at least 11 deaths in Iran, according to state media. Four fatalities occurred during a wedding ceremony in Hormozgan, southeast Iran, where approximately 50 people were injured. Another seven people died in Khuzestan, western Iran, where missile attacks also resulted in eight injuries. These strikes took place shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a return to diplomacy, though efforts remain stalled. According to reports, the U.S. strikes began after the IRGC allegedly targeted commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. military personnel stationed in the region. Explosions were recorded in several locations in southwest Iran, including Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest port and the IRGC’s naval base, and the strategic island of Qeshm, previously hit by U.S. attacks. The IRGC also claimed that U.S. bombing struck a house in Sirik near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in multiple deaths and over 50 injuries. Iran’s initial attack focused on Camp Titin, a U.S. Marine Corps base in Jordan, using heavy ballistic missiles. The Jordanian military intercepted ten of these missiles, while three others landed in non-populated areas. Meanwhile, the IRGC reportedly attacked U.S. installations in Bahrain using drones, targeting radar systems and military positions at Al-Dhafra and Al-Minhad bases in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The IRGC also claimed to have attacked U.S. bases in Iraqi Kurdistan, specifically Erbil, targeting a maintenance center, technical equipment warehouses, and a surveillance balloon. This coordinated strike was reported by state media, though specific details supporting these claims were not provided. The conflict has escalated rapidly, with both sides exchanging accusations and conducting attacks within days of each other. The U.S. has emphasized maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and noted the economic decline of Iran, while Iran continues to threaten further retaliation unless U.S. operations cease. The situation remains volatile, with continued reports of attacks and counterattacks across the region, highlighting the deepening crisis in the Middle East.