IRGC Claims Strike on U.S. Early-Warning Radar in Bahrain

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on November 13 that it had destroyed a U.S. early-warning radar system in Bahrain. The force presented the claimed strike as retaliation for an attack on a telecommunications tower in Sirik, Iran. The IRGC’s statement also warned the United States against aerial provocations and what it described as oil smuggling in the Strait of Hormuz. In a November 12 interview, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked whether he would hesitate to use military force if Iran threatened American allies and ships. He replied: ‘No. No hesitation.’ Trump also said he would maintain the blockade and asserted American control over the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Asked about his position on Israel, he described himself as strongly inclined toward Israel. In a joint declaration published on November 11 after their Paris meeting, G7 foreign ministers and the EU High Representative condemned Iranian attacks on neighboring states and civilian vessels, as well as obstruction of navigation through Hormuz. They supported passage without tolls or illegal restrictions and described U.S. Central Command’s demining and civilian-vessel escorts as defensive. The declaration also recognized a separate French-British defensive multinational initiative, including verification of mine removal.