Iranian Army Announces Strikes on US Bases in Jordan and Bahrain Under Thunder Operation Phase 22

TEHRAN — The Iranian military announced Tuesday that it has targeted United States facilities at two key air bases in the Middle East as part of an expanded offensive campaign. In a statement released late Monday, Iran's Army confirmed that phase 22 of its "Thunder" operation included strikes against Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.

The announcement marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Tehran explicitly naming the two locations as targets within its ongoing military strategy. The statement did not provide immediate details regarding the specific nature of the weapons used or the extent of any potential damage to infrastructure at either site. Officials in Washington and the respective host nations have yet to issue formal confirmations regarding the impact of the reported attacks.

Al-Azraq Air Base, located approximately 100 kilometers east of Amman, serves as a critical logistics hub for coalition forces operating in Syria and Iraq. Sheikh Isa Air Base near Manama is similarly vital, hosting US Marine Corps aviation assets and serving as a forward deployment point for operations across the Persian Gulf region. The targeting of these specific facilities suggests an intent to disrupt logistical chains and air mobility capabilities within the broader Middle East theater.

The "Thunder" operation has been described by Iranian commanders in previous phases as a series of coordinated actions aimed at projecting power against perceived adversaries. This latest phase, designated number 22, indicates that the campaign is continuing months or years after its initial launch, depending on the operational timeline established by Tehran's command structure.

Regional security analysts note that strikes involving US facilities in Jordan and Bahrain would represent a direct challenge to American military presence outside of Iraq and Syria. The move could trigger immediate diplomatic responses from Washington, Riyadh, Amman, and Manama, all of whom maintain close defense ties with the United States. However, no retaliatory measures or official condemnations have been publicly announced by Western leaders as of Tuesday morning.

Questions remain regarding the precise timing of the strikes relative to the announcement and whether any casualties were sustained on either side. The Iranian military statement focused solely on the declaration of targets rather than providing after-action assessments or visual evidence of the operations' success. As diplomatic channels open between Tehran, Washington, and regional allies, the international community awaits clarification on whether this marks a new front in an existing conflict or a distinct shift in strategic posture.

The situation remains fluid as military officials from affected nations assess their respective bases for damage and potential security breaches. Further developments are expected regarding the status of US personnel stationed at both locations.