Key facts
- Iran's IRGC launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military assets in the Persian Gulf.
- The IRGC stated the attacks were retaliation for US strikes on an Iranian tanker and a telecom tower.
- US Central Command intercepted Iranian attacks and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island.
- The IRGC targeted the US Fifth Fleet's command center in Bahrain and an airbase.
- The shipping group MSC reported one of its vessels was struck by two projectiles.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) stated it targeted US military assets in the Persian Gulf region in retaliation for American attacks. US Central Command confirmed its forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and carried out 'self-defense strikes' on Qeshm Island. The incident began after a US warplane fired a Hellfire missile at an Iranian-linked tanker, the Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie, near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. Washington stated the vessel was heading toward Kharg Island in breach of its blockade. In response, the IRGC said it targeted an alleged US-affiliated vessel named Panaya with naval missiles. Subsequently, US forces conducted a strike on an IRGC telecom tower, which CENTCOM described as 'self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island.' The IRGC then escalated with ballistic missile strikes on a 'US air and helicopter base in a regional country' and the 'Fifth Fleet's command center' in Bahrain. US Department of War reported that several ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward regional states failed to reach their targets. Two missiles aimed at Kuwait fell short or broke apart, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense forces. The Kuwaiti army confirmed it was responding to missile and drone attacks, with alarm sirens sounding in the country. Bahrain's Interior Ministry also urged the public to remain calm amid an air alert. The IRGC warned that any violation of security in the Strait of Hormuz would bring a 'harsh price' for the US military. CENTCOM stated its forces 'remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression.' The conflict, which began in late February, is in a stalemate, with a shaky ceasefire in place while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut to maritime traffic. Iran and the United States had reached a tentative initial agreement to halt the war, but have yet to sign off on the deal. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that sanctions relief would only be granted if Iran gives up its nuclear activity. The war has killed thousands, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and pushed up energy prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon despite a partial ceasefire. The shipping group MSC reported one of its vessels was struck by two projectiles. President Donald Trump announced 'major combat operations' against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.