As the U.S. military launched renewed airstrikes on Iran, Iranian forces on the 1st (local time) also began a retaliatory operation targeting U.S. military facilities in the Middle East.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that day that it defined the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's southern coast as "an act of desperation" and had taken strong retaliatory measures.
The IRGC said, "Brave IRGC fighters have already begun reprisals that will make the invaders deeply regret it," and claimed, "As a first step, we deployed a new air defense system and shot down the 50th advanced MQ-9 drone of the U.S. invading forces."
It continued, "The U.S. military recklessly bombed areas along Iran's southern coast, including multiple civilian facilities," adding, "But these attacks will only further solidify security in the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen the resolve of our fighters to deter foreign powers interfering in the strait."
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported, "A decisive operation by Iranian forces targeting the United States has begun," adding, "Iran's missiles and drones are striking U.S. bases and key facilities in the region."
Earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations against Iran, said on X (formerly Twitter), "Starting at noon Eastern time, we began strikes on IRGC targets," adding, "This is in response to the IRGC's attempts to attack civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. service members deployed in the region."
CENTCOM did not disclose specific targets. However, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB and others reported hearing explosions that day in the major southern port city of Bandar Abbas, on Qeshm Island and Lavan Island in the Strait of Hormuz, and in Asaluyeh, which hosts a key gas hub. The civilian airport in Jiroft, southeastern Iran, was also reportedly attacked.