Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases After American Attacks – Day 104
Day 104: Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases
Iran announced that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks on U.S. installations in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan following a series of U.S. strikes inside Iranian territory. The statements came from state media and underscore the rapid escalation on the 104th day of the war.
IRGC Claims Direct Hits on U.S. Installations Across the Gulf
- Targets: Military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan were reported as hit by missile and drone fire.
- Strategic Moves: Iran’s top military command ordered the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit corridor.
- Infrastructure Damage: Water storage reservoirs in Iran’s Hormozgan province were struck, but services were restored within 12 hours.
Scale of the U.S. Counter‑Strikes: 49 Tomahawk Missiles and Fighter‑Jet Missions
- Missile Count: Donald Trump told Fox News that the United States fired 49 Tomahawk missiles at targets inside Iran, some as close as 40 miles (64 km) from Tehran.
- Air Operations: U.S. fighter jets engaged radar and air‑defence systems near the Persian Gulf.
- Official Statements: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes as part of a “self‑defence” effort to secure a permanent cease‑fire.
Regional Fallout: Strait of Hormuz Closure and Airspace Disruptions
- Strait of Hormuz: Full closure announced; vessels warned of potential attacks.
- Kuwait Airspace: Civil aviation authority temporarily shut the sky, diverting flights and halting Kuwait Airways operations.
- Jordan Alert: U.S. State Department urged residents to seek shelter as missiles or drones entered Jordanian airspace.
- Israel: Projectiles from Lebanon landed near Israeli troops, though no casualties were reported.
What’s Next? Prospects for Escalation or Diplomatic Resolution
U.S. officials, including Trump, warned of further bombings if Iran does not accept a proposed deal, while retired General Mark Kimmitt suggested the strikes reflect frustration with stalled diplomacy. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the broadening of targets raise the risk of wider regional involvement, yet both sides have hinted at a willingness to negotiate if pressure yields concessions. The coming days will likely hinge on whether diplomatic overtures can outpace the momentum of military actions.