The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected claims made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it successfully struck the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain
and a separate American air base in the region with missiles and drones.
In a post on X, CENTCOM described the Iranian claims as false, and mentioned, “Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims they struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region with missiles and drones today. FALSE.”
It further added, “All Iranian attacks on American forces failed. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression.”
🚫 CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims they struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region with missiles and drones today. FALSE.
✅ TRUTH: All Iranian attacks on American forces failed. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to… pic.twitter.com/KuYzaENUqI
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 2, 2026
The denial came after Iranian state-linked media outlets reported that the IRGC had launched attacks on US military targets in response to what Tehran described as American strikes on Iranian assets in the Gulf region.
IRAN CLAIMS RETALIATORY STRIKES
According to the Iranian state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the Iranian Armed Forces said the attacks were carried out after the United States allegedly targeted a telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker.
“Following the US attack on a telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker, we targeted the United States Fifth Fleet and a US air base in the region,” the broadcaster quoted Iranian Armed Forces as saying.
🚨 BREAKING
Iranian Armed Forces:
‘Following the US attack on a telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker, we targeted the United States Fifth Fleet and a US air base in the region.’— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) June 2, 2026
According to Reuters, the IRGC also said it had targeted a vessel identified as “Panaya” with missiles after what it called a US strike on an Iranian tanker near the Strait of Hormuz that allegedly damaged its engine room.
Iranian media quoted the IRGC as warning that “disrupting the security of the Strait of Hormuz will carry a heavy price for the U.S. military.”
Later, CENTCOM said several ballistic missiles were launched by Iran toward neighbouring countries but failed to hit their intended targets.
“Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours. However, all failed to hit their intended targets,” the statement mentioned.
The US military added that two Iranian missiles aimed at Kuwait either fell short or broke apart during flight, while three missiles targeting Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defence systems.
Kuwait’s military also confirmed that its air defences were responding to “hostile” missile and drone attacks.
CENTCOM further said American forces shot down three Iranian attack drones that had been launched toward civilian vessels transiting regional waters.
STRIKES ON QESHM ISLAND
The US military also acknowledged carrying out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, located in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.
According to AFP and the Associated Press, CENTCOM said the strikes targeted an “Iranian military ground control station” on the island.
AP noted that the facility was near a desalination plant.
CENTCOM said no US personnel were injured during the attacks and subsequent operations.
Iran, however, described the strikes as aggression and said its attacks on American military facilities were retaliatory actions.
TENSIONS OVER CEASEFIRE TALKS
The developments come amid mounting tensions surrounding a ceasefire between the United States and Iran that has technically remained in place since April 8.
According to AP, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported that Tehran had stopped communicating with mediators about extending the ceasefire.
A regional official involved in mediation efforts told AP that Iran had not communicated on Tuesday after insisting that any ceasefire arrangement should also address fighting in Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump disputed reports that negotiations had stalled.
“The conversations between us have been going on continuously,” Trump said in a social media post, adding that discussions had continued “four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago and today.”
STRAIT OF HORMUZ REMAINS FLASHPOINT
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
AFP reported that Tehran has effectively closed the strategic waterway since the outbreak of conflict involving the US and Israel earlier this year.
AP further reported that US forces recently stopped another vessel allegedly attempting to violate an American blockade imposed on Iran.
The US military said the Botswana-flagged merchant vessel M/T Lexie was disabled after a Hellfire missile struck its engine room when the crew ignored repeated warnings.
The US military said it has now stopped multiple vessels attempting to breach the blockade, underscoring continuing tensions in the Gulf region.
