The Middle East appeared to move another step closer to a wider conflict on Tuesday night after Iran claimed it launched a large-scale retaliatory operation targeting U.S. military installations across the region.

In a series of statements published by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Tehran asserted that it struck 21 U.S. military targets, including air and naval facilities, following American attacks on Iranian targets earlier in the day.

Among the most dramatic claims was Iran’s assertion that it targeted Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, including hangars housing advanced F-35 fighter jets and a U.S. command-and-control center. Iranian state-linked channels described the operation as a response to what they called ongoing American aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and said it had shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. Iranian officials further alleged that U.S. strikes had hit locations along Iran’s southern coast, including Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm Island, damaging civilian infrastructure such as a telecommunications tower and water facilities.

Despite the sweeping Iranian claims, U.S. officials have not confirmed any successful attacks on American bases, aircraft, or naval assets.

A senior U.S. official told Fox News that approximately 20 targets inside Iran were struck Tuesday night as part of the American response. While U.S. Central Command indicated that its offensive operations had concluded, officials emphasized that the situation remains active and that American forces throughout the region remain prepared to respond to any further Iranian action.

At this stage, many of Iran’s claims remain unverified, and independent confirmation of damage or casualties has not been released.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)