The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it has launched a third wave of strikes against US military installations across the Middle East, escalating a conflict that began just days ago. The targets reportedly include the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet base in Juffair, Bahrain, military facilities in Kuwait, and the Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan.
What’s happening on the ground
The IRGC calls the campaign “Operation Nasr-2,” framing it as direct retaliation for US Central Command strikes on Iranian coastal military positions that began on July 12, 2026. The Iranian military has issued multiple operational statements, numbered 7 through 9, each claiming successful engagements against US-linked sites in the region.
The operation reportedly involves a combination of missiles and drones deployed against the American targets. Iranian officials have characterized the strikes as ongoing, suggesting this is not a one-and-done show of force but a sustained military campaign.
This isn’t Iran’s first escalation in 2026, either. Back in June, the IRGC conducted a separate campaign called “Operation Nasr” that targeted Israeli airbases with missile strikes. The naming convention itself carries weight: “Nasr” references a notable 1981 tank battle during the Iran-Iraq War, a historical touchstone Iranian leadership invokes when it wants to signal strategic resolve.
