Iran has launched a sweeping retaliatory military operation against American bases across West Asia, hours after US forces struck Iranian air defence infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed attacks on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and a long-range missile strike on the Azraq Air Base in Jordan, describing the operations as a direct response to what it called American aggression. Jordan’s armed forces confirmed they intercepted and destroyed all five Iranian missiles fired toward the Azraq region, with no casualties or material damage reported. A US official said initial assessments indicated that nearly all Iranian missiles and drones were successfully intercepted, with no immediate reports of personnel casualties or significant damage to military facilities.
The escalation follows US Central Command’s confirmation that its forces struck Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter. Both crew members were rescued alive. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran’s armed forces would leave no attack or threat unanswered, adding that US forces in the region should, in his words, “leave if they want to be safe.”
Meanwhile, two crew members are missing and one seriously injured after a suspected US missile strike on a tanker off the coast of Oman, according to maritime officials. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of the vessel’s multinational crew, including Indian nationals.
The maritime incident off the coast of Oman has added a grave human dimension to the escalating conflict. The Palau-flagged chemical tanker Settebello transmitted a distress call after reporting that its engine room had been struck by a missile while operating about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s port of Sohar, triggering a fire onboard.
Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Responsibility for the strike has not been officially confirmed. British maritime security firm Ambrey assessed that the incident was likely linked to US operations enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports, although Washington has not commented on the claim.
The Embassy of India in Muscat has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with Omani authorities regarding the rescue and safety of the affected crew. The Omani Navy responded to the vessel’s distress call and evacuation efforts are under way.The United States imposed its blockade on Iran-related shipping on April 13 after Iran sharply restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces carried out a targeted strike on a car in the centre of Sidon, the largest city in the country’s south, according to Lebanon’s state-run news agency. Israel has continued to launch attacks on southern Lebanon despite both countries striking a US-brokered ceasefire agreement just days ago. Hezbollah has rejected the terms of the June 3 Washington agreement, with its leader saying the demand for its fighters to withdraw from southern Lebanon while under attack would amount to surrender.
