Iran announced Thursday that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched an attack on a US airbase following American military strikes near Bandar Abbas, as Kuwait reported shooting down incoming missiles and drones in the latest escalation threatening a delicate Gulf ceasefire.
According to the IRGC, the counter-strike occurred at 4:50 a.m. local time in response to what they called an early-morning American attack near Bandar Abbas airport, a crucial location on Iran’s southern coastline adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard did not reveal which American installation they claimed to have attacked, and no immediate public verification emerged confirming any US base was struck, damaged, or suffered casualties.
Kuwaiti military forces announced their air defense systems were actively countering missile and drone attacks, alerting citizens they might hear explosions as defensive measures engaged incoming threats. Kuwait, which maintains alliance with the US and provides hosting for American military personnel, refrained from publicly blaming Iran for the assault or confirming whether any base was the intended objective.
These incidents occurred after fresh US military operations within Iranian territory. An American official confirmed US forces attacked a military installation near Bandar Abbas and destroyed multiple Iranian suicide drones close to the Strait of Hormuz, including a command center reportedly preparing additional launches. Washington characterized these operations as protective measures designed to safeguard US personnel and maritime commerce.
The military confrontation unfolded while President Donald Trump rejected reports suggesting an emerging agreement regarding oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping channel that handles a significant portion of global maritime oil transport. Interruptions in this waterway have already contributed to rising energy costs and created anxiety among Gulf nations hoping to prevent a wider regional conflict.
