Iran Claims Strike on US Fifth Fleet Base in Bahrain and Threatens Regional Energy Supplies

Navy facilities in Bahrain as part of “Operation Nasr-2.” The IRGC further warned that it could completely block regional oil and gas exports if the U.S. continues attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released by the organization.

IRGC Claims Strikes on U.S. Fifth Fleet Infrastructure

The IRGC stated that a “fifth wave” of strikes targeted military infrastructure in Bahrain, which serves as the primary hub for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf. The organization reported that the early morning operation hit several specific targets.

According to the IRGC statement, the targets included:

• An NSA management center
• A command-and-control center
• Large warehouses containing military equipment and parts
• Fuel storage tanks belonging to the U.S. Fifth Fleet

Threats to Block Oil and Gas Exports

Tehran has tied the security of energy flows to U.S. military activity in the region. In the Tuesday statement, the IRGC accused Washington of acting like "pirates" by restricting energy flows and warned that it may block other export routes used by the U.S. and its allies.

Regional oil and gas exports are either for everyone or for no one. IRGC Statement, July 15, 2026

This warning follows a decision by Tehran to declare the Strait of Hormuz closed. Iran stated this closure will remain in effect until the U.S. ceases what it termed "illegal" military intervention in the region.

U.S. Response and Potential Escalation

The U.S. government maintains that its military actions in the region are intended to protect commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation through the strait. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is now "in control" of the waterway and will serve as its "guardian."

Trump also addressed the possibility of a ground campaign in Iran. He did not rule out such an operation, stating that "other people" could lead the effort.

The U.S. president specifically identified Kharg Island, the primary hub for Iran’s crude oil exports, as a potential target. Trump previously stated that the U.S. could seize the island "to take the oil."