Iran retaliates against US military installations

The United States launched two attacks on Iran’s coastal defense system and missile bases on Wednesday (July 15). At the same time, a naval blockade was imposed on Iranian ports. In response, Iran attacked US military installations in several neighboring countries. Tehran described the conflict with the United States as an “existential war”.
The latest tensions began after a ceasefire broke down a few days ago. This has raised fears of a full-scale war spreading again in the Middle East. At the same time, Iran has also reiterated its threat to stop energy exports through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The situation has become even more heated since Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz last Saturday night. The ongoing military operation is also disrupting navigation in this important waterway of the world. Before the war, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas was transported through this strait. In this situation, the price of Brent crude oil in the international market reached $ 84.95 per barrel, the highest in a month.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the first round of attacks was carried out on the coastal defense system and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Iran’s Greater Tunb Island on Wednesday morning. About nine hours later, the second round of attacks was carried out in various cities in Iran.
According to CENTCOM, these attacks targeted Iran’s military command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance centers. In addition, Iran’s largest port, Bandar Abbas, and the naval and Revolutionary Guard installations located there were also attacked.
On the other hand, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it had launched missile and drone attacks on US military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. They said the targets were a US military base at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and a radar installation. US officials said the operation was aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities as part of an operation to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the US military said it used Hellfire missiles to disable an empty oil tanker heading towards Iran’s Kharg Island after it failed to stop despite repeated warnings. Two ships have been turned back and one has been disabled since the naval blockade resumed on Tuesday.
Iranian media reported explosions in various areas, including Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Konarak, Sirik and Qeshm. In addition, at least two explosions were reported in the city of Khandab, southwest of the capital Tehran. Tehran’s air defenses have been activated to prevent a possible attack.
Iran’s state television IRIB said the US strike took place near a hospital in Ahvaz. The hospital houses a children’s cancer treatment center and patients have been temporarily evacuated. After the first round of attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mohammad Baqer Ghalib said, “We are in a fight for survival with the United States.” He also stressed Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.