Tehran, Jul 08 (V7N)- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching a large-scale missile and drone operation targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, describing the strikes as an initial response to recent American attacks on Iranian territory.

According to Al Jazeera, the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday that its Aerospace Force and Navy jointly carried out attacks on 85 U.S. military facilities, including the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The IRGC did not provide evidence to support the claim or disclose the extent of the damage or any casualties resulting from the operation. U.S. authorities had not immediately responded to the claims at the time of reporting.

Iran said the operation was launched in retaliation for what it described as a series of U.S. strikes on the southern Iranian port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas, as well as Qeshm Island, on Tuesday. Tehran alleges the attacks followed an incident involving a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC also accused Washington of carrying out the strikes to divert international attention from the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader, claiming the United States sought to overshadow what it described as a historic national event.

Earlier, Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters condemned the U.S. attacks as "clear aggression" and vowed a "crushing response," accusing Washington of violating Iran's sovereignty. Tehran has also warned that it will not tolerate any U.S. interference in the management and security of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The latest exchange of threats and military claims has further heightened tensions across the Middle East. Analysts warn that continued military action by both sides could significantly increase the risk of a broader regional conflict.

Note: The claims regarding the reported strikes on U.S. military facilities have been made by the IRGC and had not been independently verified at the time of publication. Neither the United States nor the governments of Bahrain and Kuwait had confirmed the reported attacks.

END/SMA/AJ