New US airstrikes in Bandar Abbas, IRGC warns of retaliation

International Desk | PNN

The United States has carried out new air and missile strikes in southern Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), these attacks targeted Iranian missile facilities and naval assets.

US military authorities stated that the strikes were conducted as a “defensive measure” to protect their forces. CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the action was taken to counter threats posed by Iranian forces and that maximum restraint was exercised during the operation.

According to US sources, the targets were near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, close to the Strait of Hormuz, which is a strategically important hub for Iranian naval bases. This strait is extremely critical for global energy transportation.

Iranian state media reported that local authorities have launched an investigation after hearing explosions in the area.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed that it shot down a US drone and targeted a warplane and another drone that entered Iranian airspace. However, no specific timing of these incidents was provided.

The IRGC further stated that Iran reserves the “legal right” to take retaliatory measures against the United States in case of any violation of the ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that a negotiated settlement is still possible, but it will take time. He noted that discussions are ongoing regarding certain terms of the proposed agreement.

He also stated that US President Donald Trump stands by the position of “a good deal or no deal at all.”

The White House, meanwhile, claims that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open under all circumstances, as it is extremely important for global energy supply.

According to analysts, the recent strikes and counter-military posture have further increased tensions in the Middle East. The future of diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States now appears uncertain.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated that US influence in the Middle East is gradually declining and that the region will no longer remain a safe place for their military bases.