DID Press: Tensions in Persian Gulf escalated sharply early Wednesday after Iranian officials accused the United States of carrying out attacks on several locations along Iran’s southern coastline, prompting what Tehran described as a forceful military response under its right to self-defense.
According to Iranian official sources, areas in Jask, Sirik and Qeshm were targeted in overnight strikes that allegedly damaged civilian infrastructure, including a telecommunications tower and water-storage facilities.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its naval forces launched drone operations against assets linked to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Iranian media also reported heightened military readiness and continuing confrontations in the region.
Reports of U.S. Drone Shootdowns
The IRGC stated that an American MQ-9 drone approaching what it described as a combat zone was shot down over Bushehr Province. Media outlets affiliated with the Guard Corps later reported the destruction of a second U.S. drone, although no independent confirmation was immediately available.
Explosions and Airspace Restrictions
Regional media reported multiple explosions in Bahrain and said air-defense systems had been activated in both Bahrain and Kuwait. Reports also indicated temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the Gulf region amid growing security concerns.
Reported Strike on U.S. Base in Jordan
Media outlets close to Iran’s regional allies reported that the U.S. military facility at Al-Azraq in Jordan had come under missile attack. The reports claimed that several powerful explosions were heard near the base, though independent verification was not immediately available.
Tehran Issues Warning
Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran would not leave threats to its sovereignty unanswered and described the presence of foreign military forces in the Persian Gulf as a source of instability.
Araghchi also argued that regional security should be managed by countries of the region and reiterated Tehran’s opposition to an expanded foreign military presence near Iranian territory.