The IRGC claimed that it had struck and destroyed a U.S. early-warning radar in Bahrain in response to a recent American airstrike on a communications tower in Sirik, Iran.
The incident marks the first direct attack that Iran has made on a U.S. military installation in several months. “This is a serious warning to the aggressor enemy to end its aerial mischief and oil smuggling in the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC said to Iranian news outlet IRIB. “In the event of repeated violations and aggression, the IRGC aerospace force is on full alert to confront the enemy without constraint.”
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis to be disarmed after returning from a flight during Combat Archer UK at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 15, 2025. Combat Archer UK was one of six elements in the Combat Weapons Systems Evaluation Program, typically held in the U.S. By hosting Combat Archer UK in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Europe saved millions of dollars, allowing them to enhance the mission in other capacities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, refuels a Hellenic Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG 2024 while flying over the coast of Greece, Oct. 4, 2024. RAFL24 demonstrates NATO unity and strength, as Allies across the Euro-Atlantic area train side by side in defensive and offensive air operations scenarios in support of the enduring commitment to shared values and ability to adapt to the emerging environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
CENTCOM Denies Damage From Iranian Attacks
On November 13, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied that any of its installations had been damaged in the attack. It did, however, confirm that two Iranian drones were launched toward Bahrain and were intercepted. Sources in the region likewise reported hearing explosions in the area, likely from the drones being shot down by air defenses. Currently, there is no evidence to support the IRGC’s claims that any installations were damaged or destroyed. Photos circulating on social media show what appears to be a radar site damaged or destroyed by a missile or drone strike. However, these images have not been independently verified and may be fabricated.
According to Reuters, the attack against Bahrain is the first direct Iranian attack on a U.S. facility since September, when the U.S. and Iran last traded blows. The IRGC has warned that if the U.S. resumes its military strikes, every American base, even those in Europe, will be considered a legitimate target. “If the US launches another war against Iran, every military base involved in the aggression, from West Asia to Europe, will be a legitimate target for Iran’s lethal strikes,” said Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s security chief. “No safe distance. No safe haven. No immunity.” According to a report released by the Pentagon inspector general, Iranian attacks damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings at U.S. installations across eight separate countries in the first four months of the war. The military was subsequently forced to abandon several bases in the region due to the threat of Iranian attacks.
Looking For an Easy Offramp
The Iranian attack, successful or not, comes at an inopportune time for the Trump administration, which has been trying to distance itself from the war.
After the midterm elections earlier this month, which saw significant gains for the Democratic Party, Trump has surprisingly toned down his wartime rhetoric and instead insisted that further military action is unnecessary. “They’re a failing nation,” the President said in an interview with CNN. “It just came out, you saw this year, 301% inflation. Highly unlikely it will be necessary. I would, if necessary, but we hit them really hard. I hit them so hard. You don’t know how hard I hit them.” Although the U.S. has left the door open for future military activity, Trump has spent the last few weeks assuring the public that military action will only resume if Iran acts up again.
Just recently, Trump said he instructed Vice President JD Vance to shift his focus away from Iran and focus primarily on domestic issues. “I have asked Vice President Vance to focus his complete and total attention on the Massive Corruption and Crime taking place in Democrat run Cities and States throughout the U.S.,” the President said on social media. “We don’t need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed. We’ve got their money, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and we’ve got their Strait!” Vance previously helped negotiate the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which brokered a temporary ceasefire.
According to some reports, the Vice President requested a personal meeting with Iranian negotiators but was rejected by Tehran.
What’s Next For the Iran War?
It is unclear what the next phase of the war will look like.
Many suspected that Trump would double down on the war in Iran if the Republicans lost the midterm elections in an effort to deal as much damage to Iran as possible before the newly elected Democrats took their seats.
However, it seems that the President, at least for now, has taken a softer approach. Others within the administration, namely Secretary of State Marco Rubio, believe that maintaining the blockade against Tehran will eventually cause the country to collapse economically.
While the naval blockade has harmed Iran’s economy, Tehran has not yet been defeated militarily. According to Bloomberg, citing Western intelligence officials, Iran is currently producing around 50 ballistic missiles a month in its underground missile cities.
In the past few weeks, Iran has been conducting numerous ballistic missile test launches, firmly demonstrating that its missile inventory is still well stocked despite U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Furthermore, despite the damage to its military and economy, Iran is still not ready to concede to Washington’s demands.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
