The United States has launched fresh strikes on Iran, targeting a military site near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, in a move that threatens to unravel an already fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US Central Command (Centcom) said the operation targeted a site preparing to launch a drone near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The military described the strike as “measured” and “defensive,” insisting it was aimed at protecting US forces and maintaining the ceasefire.
Iran quickly condemned the attack, calling it a “grave violation” of the truce agreement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced it had targeted a US military base in response, although it did not reveal the location.
Kuwait, home to a major US air base, said its air defence systems intercepted what it described as “hostile missile and drone threats,” but officials stopped short of confirming where the projectiles originated.
The latest exchange marks the second round of US strikes on Iranian targets in just three days, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that erupted after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
According to Centcom, American forces also shot down four Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, saying they posed a threat to military and commercial activity in the area.
Iranian media reported explosions east of Bandar Abbas shortly after the strikes.
The renewed fighting comes as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes. Since the conflict began, commercial shipping through the route has been severely disrupted, driving up global energy prices.
Earlier this week, the US imposed sanctions on Iran’s “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” accusing Tehran of using the waterway to pressure international trade. Washington also warned that ships making payments to the authority could face sanctions.
Iran rejected the accusation, saying the fees were standard charges for navigational services and insisting it would continue overseeing maritime traffic in the region.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said Iran was under mounting pressure and “negotiating on fumes.”
“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. “So far they haven’t gotten there and we’re not satisfied with it. But we will be or we’ll have to finish the job.”
The president also dismissed suggestions that the conflict or negotiations would be influenced by upcoming US midterm elections.
Meanwhile, hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations remain uncertain. Iranian state media earlier reported details of what it claimed was a draft agreement between Tehran and Washington, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a withdrawal of US forces from the region.
The White House swiftly denied the report, calling it “a complete fabrication.”
Despite public optimism from both sides in recent days, officials in Tehran and Washington have continued to signal that major disagreements remain unresolved.
