The Iranian military has claimed that it targeted US military facilities and assets at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in southern Bahrain with drone attacks. According to the military, power generators, navigation systems, offices and backup buildings were targeted in the attack. According to a statement issued by the Iranian military, this action was taken in response to the recent attacks by the US on Iran. Earlier, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had also claimed that it carried out missile and drone attacks on US military bases located at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan.
Tension increased again after several days of peace
Tensions have escalated again between the US and Iran after a few days of relative calm. The US had previously carried out a series of military strikes against Iranian targets in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration stated that these attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten maritime activities and commercial shipping. In response, Iran claimed missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases and installations in the region.
Iran appeals to Bulgaria and Cyprus
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi appealed to Bulgaria and Cyprus not to allow the US to use military bases located on their territories for military action against Iran. In a conversation with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, Araghchi said that the deployment of US tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base is against international law and the spirit of bilateral relations. Citing UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, he said that making one’s territory available for attack against a third country is also considered an act of aggression.
Cyprus also expressed support for a diplomatic solution
Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos assured Araghchi that Cyprus has engaged with Britain to ensure that British military bases on its territory are not used for military action against any country. He also reiterated his support for de-escalating regional tensions and pursuing a diplomatic solution.