Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against US Forces After American Attacks

Iran's army has initiated a retaliatory offensive, deploying missiles and drones against U.S. targets following American strikes on southern Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its forces launched a "decisive response" to "aggressors," claiming their new air defense system downed an advanced U.S. MQ-9 drone that had intruded into Iranian territory. The IRGC also stated that its Aerospace Force conducted a "massive ballistic missile strike" on the U.S. Marine Corps base known as Camp Titin, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan, during the second wave of an operation named "Punishment of the Aggressor." According to the IRGC, this attack resulted in the destruction of a significant number of American military personnel, key facilities, and attack helicopters.

Jordanian military sources confirmed that the kingdom's air defenses intercepted 10 missiles launched from Iran, with three others falling in unpopulated areas. The city of Aqaba, targeted by Iran, is adjacent to Israel's southern resort city of Eilat. Tourists in Eilat reported witnessing missiles flying overhead, with one describing a near-miss of a hotel and widespread panic among civilians.

The IRGC further claimed to have conducted a drone attack on the U.S. base Sheikh Issa in Bahrain, targeting radar installations and troop concentrations. These actions by Iran come despite explicit warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated on social media and in television interviews that any retaliatory action by Iran would be met with a much stronger response, potentially leading to Iran's annihilation. Trump characterized Iran's actions as "insane" and "stupid."

Trump also revealed that the U.S. deliberately waited for Iran's radar systems to be nearly restored before striking them again, aiming to prevent Iran from operating effectively. He expressed skepticism about the prospects for a peace agreement with Iran, suggesting that past opportunities have been squandered and any potential deal would be worthless.