Iran’s military has launched a fresh wave of retaliatory strikes against US forces in the region, targeting American military positions in Kuwait in response to what Tehran describes as escalating US aggression against Iranian territory.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Army announced Friday that its twelfth phase of Operation Saeqeh successfully struck US military bases and logistical support centers in Kuwait using loitering munitions. The operation comes as part of Iran’s broader military response to six consecutive nights of US airstrikes on southern Iranian provinces.
Iranian Army Conducts Drone Attacks on US Army Support Centers in Kuwait
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) July 17, 2026
The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out drone attacks on support centers of the terrorist US army in Kuwait.
The operation marked the 12th stage of the Iranian Army's Operation Lightning. pic.twitter.com/KRhdPHPKDb
“Hours ago, the twelfth phase of Operation Saeqeh targeted the support centers of the terrorist US military in Kuwait with Arash loitering drones,” the Army’s Public Relations Office said in a statement, employing the Islamic Republic’s official terminology for American forces.
The Iranian military emphasized that the strikes were carried out “to avenge the pure blood of the martyrs of this homeland” and in retaliation for what it termed “the enemy’s crimes.”
Missiles Hit US Fifth Naval Base in Bahrain
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) July 17, 2026
Arabic sources reported that at least three missiles struck the US Fifth Naval Base in Bahrain.
Also, a widespread fire broke out at the American base in Kuwait following Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks. pic.twitter.com/FAWFr5IlB6
Regional Military Operations Expand
The Army confirmed that its previous operational phase had similarly targeted US military logistics infrastructure in Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced its Aerospace Force had executed the eleventh wave of Operation Nasr 2, which it described as a “surprise attack” on a US special operations command center in Syria’s al-Tanf region.
According to the IRGC, that operation destroyed a radar system and multiple special operations helicopters, resulting in significant American casualties.
Strategic Waterway Threat
In a development with potential global economic implications, the IRGC asserted that Iranian forces maintain “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The Corps warned that as long as US hostilities persist, “not a single drop of oil or gas” would be permitted to transit the strategic waterway.
The Iranian military’s retaliatory operations follow what local authorities describe as devastating US airstrikes on civilian infrastructure across southern Iran. According to Hormozgan Governorate, Thursday’s attacks and early Friday strikes damaged at least six bridges in the province, including key transportation arteries connecting Bandar Abbas, Khamir, and Lar.
Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences reported that the attack on Bandar Khamir bridges has claimed at least seven lives, with nine others receiving medical treatment. In a separate strike on a residential neighborhood in Bandar Abbas, at least one civilian was killed and eight wounded.
US forces also reportedly targeted the city’s railway junction, injuring two individuals, while explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas Airport, where at least one projectile struck the facility. Further strikes targeted Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran, damaging power infrastructure and fuel storage facilities and injuring at least one person.
Escalating Casualties
Iran’s Health Ministry has documented at least 35 civilian fatalities, including women and children, with more than 300 injured since the current wave of US strikes began. The attacks mark the sixth consecutive night of American military operations against Iranian territory.
The United States intensified its military campaign following Iran’s Navy interdiction of vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz in what Tehran described as a violation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17. Details of the memorandum remain classified, though Iranian officials have characterized it as a regional maritime security framework.
Iranian Military Readiness
The Iranian Army’s statement concluded with a pledge of continued resistance: “Relying on our history, popular support, experience, and combat readiness, we stand vigilant and resolute against any pressure or threat. We are certain that this ancient land and the historic, heroic nation of Iran, with divine support, will ultimately prevail over the malicious and deceitful enemy.”