Iran and the United States exchanged another round of military action on Monday, with Tehran claiming it carried out fresh missile and drone strikes targeting US-linked military facilities in the Gulf.

According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as the fifth phase of its retaliatory operation, targeting military installations in Bahrain as well as radar systems in Oman.

The IRGC said it struck “installations and infrastructure of the aggressive US army” in AlJuffair, Bahrain, along with the “FPS long-range aerial radar and the vessel detection radar in Oman” using missiles and drones.

It further claimed the radar systems in Oman had been destroyed and said “the only way to open the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic is to end the interventions of the aggressive US military in this strait and respect the sovereignty of countries over their own coastal waters”. The statement also warned that “continuing these interventions will lead to greater incidents in the world’s oil and gas sector”.

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The claims have not been independently verified.

US reports fresh strikes across Iran

Earlier, the US military said it had struck dozens of targets at multiple locations across Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted air defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats.

CENTCOM said the operation involved fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones and, for the first time, one-way attack sea drones.

Iranian media also reported that the country shot down a US-manufactured “Lucas” suicide drone over Bandar Abbas. Tasnim news agency said the drone was “accurately hit and shot down”.

Casualties reported, Gulf nations respond

Iranian authorities said one person was killed and four others were injured after a US projectile struck an agricultural water pumping station in Mahshahr, in Khuzestan province. According to IRNA, the person killed was a security guard, while emergency teams were treating those injured.

Meanwhile, Bahrain activated air raid sirens once again as tensions escalated. In a post on X, the country’s Interior Ministry said, “The alarm siren has been activated. Citizens and residents are requested to remain calm, head to the nearest safe location, and follow updates through official channels.”

Jordan said it intercepted four missiles launched from Iranian territory, while Kuwait said its air defence systems engaged hostile aerial targets and urged residents to follow official safety instructions.

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Oil prices climb

The latest exchange also affected global energy markets. Brent crude climbed above $79 a barrel as concerns grew over possible disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

FAQs:

What did Iran claim in its latest retaliatory operation?

Iran said it targeted US-linked military installations in Bahrain and radar systems in Oman with missiles and drones.

Have Iran’s claims been independently verified?

No. The reported strikes and damage claims have not been independently verified.