Iran declares fierce retaliation after US attack

Iran's military command announces retaliation after US attack, accusing Washington of failing to uphold ceasefire commitments.

"The US military failed to honor its commitments and brazenly attacked areas in southern Iran. We will retaliate fiercely against this act," the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, Iran's supreme military command, stated.

The command reiterated that the only safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz "is the lane designated by Iran". It emphasized that Tehran would not permit Washington to interfere with its management of the Strait of Hormuz or related matters under any circumstances.

Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, announced it had launched a "powerful attack" in response to Iranian assaults on cargo vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and engaging in "aggressive, dangerous actions".

The airstrike operation followed reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that three cargo ships had been attacked near the Omani coast on 7/7 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These included a Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier and a Saudi Arabian oil tanker.

Qatar held Iran responsible, demanding that it "immediately cease actions that undermine regional security". Saudi Arabia condemned the attack on the oil tanker, urging Iran to stop threatening international maritime safety and global energy supplies.

Iran neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the aforementioned attacks. Instead, Tehran reaffirmed its control and authority over the shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command has not yet disclosed its specific targets for the retaliatory operation. Historically, Iranian forces have aimed at US military bases in the region, particularly in Bahrain and Kuwait, during previous exchanges of fire.

A Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) departs its launch pad during an exercise in Iran in 12/2021. *Photo: IRGC*

Axios, citing an unnamed US official, reported that Iran launched unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Bahrain, where the US 5th Fleet is headquartered. Several news agencies reported multiple explosions in Bahrain, though local officials have not released details.