Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Across Middle East Following US-Israel Attacks
In a dramatic escalation of regional hostilities, Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on multiple US military bases across the Middle East. This aggressive response comes directly after joint US-Israel operations targeted several key locations within Iran, including major cities and critical government facilities.
Targets Hit in Initial US-Israel Strikes
According to verified reports from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps via Telegram, the initial strikes by US and Israeli forces impacted multiple Iranian urban centers. The cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Qom were all confirmed as targets. Beyond these population centers, the attacks also struck at the heart of Iran's political and security infrastructure.
Sky News has learned that the strikes specifically targeted the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside the nation's intelligence ministry, defence ministry, and its Atomic Energy Organization. Satellite imagery has revealed extensive damage and black smoke billowing from the Supreme Leader's compound in Tehran, underscoring the severity of the assault.
In a particularly tragic incident, regime-run news agencies reported that more than 50 students were killed and 60 others injured when a strike hit a girls' school in Minab, located in Hormozgan province. This attack on an educational institution has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted the civilian toll of the conflict.
Iran's Swift and Coordinated Retaliation
Iran did not delay in responding to these provocations. The Revolutionary Guard Corps simultaneously launched missile strikes against four strategic US military installations across the Middle East. The targeted bases include:
- Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
- Al Salem base in Kuwait
- Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates
- The US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain
The attack on the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was corroborated by the Bahraini state news agency BNA, confirming the scale and coordination of Iran's retaliatory measures. Additionally, Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood reported hearing a loud explosion in Dubai, further indicating the widespread nature of the strikes.
Casualties and Escalating Rhetoric
The human cost of these exchanges is already mounting. Reports confirm at least one fatality in the United Arab Emirates and four deaths in Syria, where a missile struck a building in the southern part of the country, as stated by the state-owned SANA news agency. Fortunately, initial assessments by US officials, as relayed to NBC News, indicate no American casualties from the Iranian strikes thus far.
In a stark declaration, the Revolutionary Guard has asserted that it considers all US bases, resources, and interests in the region to be legitimate targets for future retaliation. This statement signals a potential for further escalation and prolonged conflict.
Political Context and Warnings
This volatile situation follows a provocative announcement by former US President Donald Trump, who confirmed "major combat operations" against Iran in an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social. In his message, Trump urged the Iranian populace to rise up against their ruling regime, declaring, "When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take."
Sky News' Europe correspondent Alistair Bunkall has issued a grave warning regarding the Tehran regime's resolve. He emphasized that Iranian leadership "will not roll over and will die fighting if needs be," suggesting that the conflict could intensify significantly.
The Middle East now faces a precarious moment, with retaliatory strikes marking a dangerous new phase in regional tensions. The international community watches closely as events unfold, with concerns growing over the potential for a broader war.
