Iran’s Army has launched the 14th and 15th phases of Operation Saeqeh (Lightning), deploying attack drones against strategic US military facilities across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain in what Tehran describes as a “crushing response” to American aggression.
The strikes came hours after US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets, underscoring the rapidly escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
🔴Iranian Army announced that, in the 15th phase of Operation Saeqe (Thunderbolt), its suicide drones targeted aircraft shelters and parking areas, as well as fuel storage facilities, at the US military's Sheikh Isa Air Base, along with several connecting bridges across Bahrain. pic.twitter.com/rNII3OREvx
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) July 18, 2026
Drone Barrages Target Key US Installations
In the 14th phase of the operation, Iranian attack drones struck an ammunition depot at Camp Al-Udeiri (Al-Adairi) , headquarters buildings and ammunition warehouses at Ali Al Salem Air Base, and several strategic bridges in Kuwait. The Army also confirmed its drones hit fuel storage facilities at Jordan’s Al Azraq Air Base.
The 15th phase targeted Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, where drones struck aircraft shelters, parking areas, fuel storage facilities, and connecting bridges.
Strategic Hubs in the Crosshairs
Iranian military officials described the targeted installations as critical nodes of US power in the region:
· Camp Al-Udeiri is a major logistical and force-reorganization center for US forces.
· Ali Al Salem Air Base ranks as one of Washington’s largest air operations support and coordination hubs in the Persian Gulf.
· Al Azraq Air Base serves as a vital US installation for regional command and military operations across West Asia.
· Sheikh Isa Air Base is described as “one of the most important operational and logistical centers” supporting US air and naval forces in the region.
Retaliation for ‘Crimes of Global Arrogance’
The Iranian Army said the strikes were carried out in response to the “crimes of global arrogance” and in honor of those killed in recent attacks, particularly in Iran’s southern provinces.
Tehran has accused the United States of repeated violations since April 7, when President Donald Trump announced a unilateral ceasefire. The violations continued even after Washington and Tehran signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding last month whose first clause explicitly mandates cessation of aggression on all fronts.
The US has also been accused of attempting to escort vessels through an illegal passageway in the Strait of Hormuz, bypassing the maritime route designated by Iran for safe and legal passage.
Regional Fallout
Kuwaiti officials reported that Iranian drone strikes injured a number of soldiers, while a power plant and water desalination stations were also damaged. Jordan’s military reportedly intercepted 10 Iranian missiles early Saturday.
CENTCOM has not issued an official response to the latest strikes. Iranian media, citing Arab sources, reported powerful explosions at the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain following the attacks. These claims have not been independently verified.
Source: Iranian media (edited by Al-Manar)