Fears of miscalculation as Iran intensifies strikes on US bases

BAKU, Nov 15: Iran has defended its attacks on neighbouring Gulf countries, insisting they were carried out under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, as tensions escalated following renewed Iranian drone strikes on Bahrain and warnings from Tehran that any further US military action would trigger a wider conflict.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran's attacks were purely defensive and targeted only US military bases and assets used to launch operations against Iran. Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei accused several Gulf countries of providing logistical support to US military operations and allowing missiles, drones and aircraft to be launched from military installations on their territories.

He said Iran had documented evidence of the regional countries' involvement and had raised the issue through diplomatic channels.

"All the cases that indicate the role of the countries of the region in helping the US to attack Iran have been documented," Baghaei said, adding that Tehran would pursue the matter seriously.

He also rejected allegations that Iran had violated the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, maintaining that its military operations were directed exclusively against American military facilities.

Meanwhile, Bahrain reported renewed Iranian drone attacks on Sunday, marking the second such incident in three days and ending a prolonged lull in strikes against the Gulf kingdom.

Explosions were heard across Bahrain during the early hours, while air raid sirens sounded and authorities issued emergency alerts urging residents to seek shelter. The warnings were the first since September.

Iran had also targeted Bahrain on Friday, prompting the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) to announce that it had shot down two Iranian drones. No casualties or damage were reported.

The IRGC warned that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and threatened a stronger response to any further American aggression.

The strategic waterway has remained at the centre of the eight-month conflict, which began on February 28 with surprise US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since restricted shipping through the strait and targeted airports, seaports, energy facilities and US military assets across the region.

Separately, Iran's navy said two tankers struck naval mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the seventh such incident in recent days. The developments have further heightened concerns over maritime security and global energy supplies.�"AGENCIES