Escalation of U.S.-Iran Military Strikes

The United States announced that it conducted ‘self-defense strikes’ on military targets in southern Iran over the weekend. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks that have unfolded over the last week.

Shortly after the U.S. announcement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for targeting a military base. They stated this was in response to an American strike on a communications facility in southern Iran.

On Monday, the Kuwaiti military reported on social media that its air defenses were countering ‘hostile missile and drone attacks.’ The origin of these attacks remained unclear. Kuwait houses U.S. military bases, but it was uncertain if these incidents were connected to the recent actions between the U.S. and Iran.

These military exchanges could complicate negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding a possible deal to end ongoing conflicts.

Details of the Strikes

The U.S. Central Command stated that recent strikes targeted radar and command-and-control sites for drones in the city of Goruk and the Qeshm Island, located on Iran’s Persian Gulf coast.

According to Central Command, the U.S. actions on Saturday and Sunday were provoked by what they described as ‘aggressive Iranian actions.’ This included shooting down an American military drone that was operating over international waters.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a statement early Monday claiming to have targeted a military base. The statement, as reported by Iran’s state news agency, described this action as retaliation for an American strike on a communications tower on a southern island. They warned of different responses if such attacks recurred.

The latest U.S. strike marks the third round of American military actions in southern Iran within the past week.

Farnaz Fassihi and Sanam Mahoozi contributed to the report. Yan Zhuang, reporting from Seoul for the Times, covers breaking news.