Russia

IRGC claims strikes on US drone depot and AI hub in Bahrain

RT English · 2026-07-17

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed to have destroyed a US drone depot and an AI center in Bahrain as part of its retaliatory Operation Nasr 2, following recent US strikes on Iranian infrastructure. • Why it matters: This escalation highlights the increasing tensions between the US and Iran, with both sides engaging in military actions that could destabilize the region and potentially lead to further conflict. • What to watch next: Monitor developments regarding US and Iranian military operations, particularly any responses from the US Central Command and the implications for regional security, as well as the potential for further retaliatory actions from Iran.

**IRGC Claims Strikes on US Drone Depot and AI Hub in Bahrain**

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has announced that it successfully targeted and destroyed a depot in Bahrain that housed American unmanned surface vessels (USVs), as well as what it described as the “main artificial intelligence center” used by the United States. This claim comes in the wake of recent US military strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges.

In a statement released on Friday evening, the IRGC stated that the attack was part of its ongoing Operation Nasr 2, marking the 17th wave of retaliatory actions. The IRGC claimed that a significant number of USVs were burned and destroyed in the operation. The statement further alleged that several ballistic missiles and numerous drones were used to target the AI center, which the IRGC accused of facilitating US military operations.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from either the United States or Bahrain regarding the destruction of the reported targets. Bahrain serves as a critical military base for the US, housing the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet.

In addition to the strikes in Bahrain, Iran reportedly launched missiles and drones aimed at US military assets across the Middle East on the same day. Attacks and interceptions were noted in several countries, including Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar. Jordan's military reported successfully intercepting several missiles without any casualties, while Qatari officials indicated that a child was injured due to falling debris from intercepted projectiles.

The IRGC characterized these attacks as a direct response to US airstrikes that targeted Iranian infrastructure, which they claimed resulted in civilian casualties. The IRGC issued a warning that it would target major industrial and technological assets belonging to American companies in the region if US strikes continued. “We will raze to the ground the most valuable assets of American companies in all countries that host US bases,” the statement declared, accusing these nations of complicity in US military actions.

In a related development, the US Central Command announced that it had conducted another series of strikes against Iran, marking the seventh consecutive night of military action. Iranian media reported multiple explosions in various locations, including the central city of Yazd and Fars Province, as well as a missile attack on Ahvaz in Khuzestan Province.

The tensions have escalated following the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran, with senior Iranian officials declaring that a memorandum of understanding with the US is effectively null and void. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and former IRGC commander, accused the US of violating the agreement by maintaining a naval blockade, continuing attacks on Iranian territory, and obstructing the release of Iranian assets.

Additionally, Iranian media reported incidents involving two oil tankers that caught fire while navigating through minefields in the southern Strait of Hormuz, which the IRGC Navy claimed is currently “extremely unsafe and completely closed” due to ongoing US military operations.

The recent escalation of violence follows American airstrikes on various infrastructure targets in southern Iran, which were reportedly ordered by US President Donald Trump. The strikes have heightened tensions between the two nations, with both sides now engaged in a cycle of retaliatory actions.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of these military actions, particularly concerning regional stability and the potential for further escalation of hostilities between Iran and the United States.

Source: RT English
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