Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Claims Most U.S. Military Bases in Region Damaged and Inoperable

A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed on September 29 that most American military bases across the region have sustained significant damage and are no longer operational, adding that economic considerations make rebuilding them impractical for the United States ^[1].

The statement represents part of a broader pattern of assertions from IRGC leadership regarding the scale and effectiveness of Iranian military operations against U.S. installations. The claim was issued as tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified, with both sides conducting military strikes across the region ^[2].

The IRGC spokesperson’s remarks about base damage came alongside other statements from Iranian military officials on the same date. Sardar Mobahi, an IRGC spokesperson, stated that the organization is continuously designing new weapons for self-defense and upgrading existing systems, while expressing preparedness for potential escalation ^[3]. Earlier in the week, on September 22, an IRGC spokesperson had indicated the organization was preparing for a preemptive strike scenario against American military bases, citing concerns about an imminent American attack from a Jordanian base ^[4].

The latest assertions about damaged bases align with earlier IRGC warnings. On September 24, a spokesperson provided details about a new Iranian weapon allegedly tested on an American aircraft carrier, framing the test within the context of ongoing tensions ^[5]. The IRGC has also warned that if conflicts escalate further, it will deploy previously unseen advanced weapons to the battlefield ^[1].

These claims emerge during a period of active military engagement. The U.S. has conducted strikes on IRGC targets in response to attacks on American forces, with reporting indicating the U.S. entered its 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran as Tehran retaliated against Gulf bases ^[2]. In September, the IRGC also captured an American autonomous underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from U.S. Central Command ^[6].

The IRGC has also directed messaging toward American audiences. On September 29, the organization issued a letter addressed to the American people, stating that the Islamic Republic had won the war against the United States and declaring its aim to inform Americans about alleged crimes committed by the U.S. military ^[3]. The statement emphasized that human conscience could be awakened regardless of location.

Regarding broader coordination, an IRGC spokesperson stated that the United States cannot block Iran’s communications with its neighbors, asserting that the U.S. will face defeat in any conflict scenario ^[3].

No independent verification of the IRGC’s claims regarding base damage or operational status has been made available through U.S. military or international sources.