Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has launched a large-scale retaliatory military operation against United States military installations across the Persian Gulf after an unprovoked act of American aggression targeting Iranian territory.

In a statement released by the IRGC Public Relations Department, the force said its naval and aerospace units carried out a coordinated missile and drone assault on 85 strategic targets associated with major US military facilities, including Salman Port, the headquarters of the US Fifth Naval Region in Bahrain, and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The IRGC stated that the operation was conducted successfully as part of Iran's legitimate right to self-defense against foreign aggression. It also announced that its air defense units shot down a US MQ-9 reconnaissance drone that attempted to interfere with the retaliatory mission.

The operation came only hours after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) admitted launching what it described as "powerful strikes" against Iranian territory.

US strikes target civilian areas in southern Iran

According to the IRGC, the American attacks struck several coastal bases as well as civilian locations in the southern provinces of Hormozgan and Khuzestan during the early hours of the day.

Iranian officials condemned the strikes as another example of Washington's continued violations of international norms and its reckless policy of military escalation.

The attacks coincided with the mourning ceremonies attended by millions of Iranians honoring the country's martyred leader, a historic display of national unity that Iranian officials said demonstrated the failure of decades of US pressure and hostility toward the Islamic Republic.

The IRGC accused Washington of deliberately attempting to overshadow the unprecedented funeral processions, arguing that the United States resorted to military aggression after witnessing the overwhelming public support displayed throughout Iran.

Iranian media also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirik following the US attacks. In Sirik, strikes reportedly hit a commercial pier and a fishing port, leaving several civilians injured by shrapnel and causing damage to civilian infrastructure.

Iran vows to defend its sovereignty

Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Washington's simultaneous decision to reinstate sanctions on Iranian oil exports, describing the move as another breach of international commitments and a clear violation of Article 10 of the Islamabad Memorandum.

The ministry accused the United States of acting in bad faith and demonstrating once again that it cannot be trusted to honor its agreements.

Officials warned that Washington would bear full responsibility for the consequences of violating its commitments, stressing that the Islamic Republic would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and legitimate interests.

Gulf states activate air defenses amid rising tensions

Following Iran's retaliatory operation, Gulf countries heightened their security posture.

Kuwait's military announced that it had activated defensive measures in response to incoming missile and drone activity, while footage circulating from Bahrain showed air defense systems operating as the regional confrontation intensified.

Observers say the latest developments underscore the growing consequences of Washington's military policies in the region, which have further destabilized an already volatile security environment.

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon add to regional escalation

The regional crisis deepened as Israeli occupation forces launched fresh attacks on southern Lebanon.

According to Al Mayadeen's correspondent, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the town of Beit Yahoun and the area between Braachit and Beit Yahoun.

Israeli artillery also shelled the outskirts of Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa and Meifadoun, while additional airstrikes struck the surrounding areas, continuing Tel Aviv's military escalation against Lebanon.

Iranian officials and resistance groups have repeatedly warned that continued US and Israeli aggression threatens regional stability and have reaffirmed that any attacks against the Axis of Resistance will be met with firm and decisive responses. (ILKHA)