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US and Iran trade military strikes near Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran conducted retaliatory strikes over the weekend, marking the third round of escalations in a week along the critical Gulf waterway. Washington and Tehran each claimed self-defense, while Kuwait reported intercepting hostile projectiles.
US launches preemptive strikes on Iranian sites
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stated it carried out "self-defense strikes" after Iran downed an American drone in international waters. The operation targeted Iranian radar installations, drone command centers, and two unmanned aircraft near the southern coastal city of Goruk and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
Centcom confirmed no U.S. personnel were harmed, adding that the Iranian drones posed an imminent threat to commercial shipping in the region.
Iran retaliates, Kuwait reports air defense activation
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it struck a U.S. airbase used in the initial attacks, though it did not disclose the location. The IRGC warned that further U.S. aggression would trigger a "completely different" response, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.
Kuwait's military reported its air defenses were "confronting hostile missile and drone attacks" on Monday, with state media confirming air raid sirens sounded nationwide. No details were provided on the origin or outcome of the interceptions.
Diplomatic stalemate persists amid rising tensions
Negotiations to end the months-long conflict stalled over the weekend after U.S. President Donald Trump requested revisions to a proposed deal. The changes reportedly focus on securing the Strait of Hormuz and removing Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, as reported by CBS News.
Iran's chief negotiator insisted on Sunday that Tehran would not accept any agreement unless its "rights are fully secured." The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the reported modifications.
A temporary ceasefire, in effect since April 8, remains fragile. Trump suggested on Truth Social that a resolution was imminent, stating, "Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA." However, no formal agreement has been announced.
Economic stakes heighten as shipping risks grow
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, handles roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The ongoing tensions have fueled concerns over supply disruptions, contributing to upward pressure on fuel prices.
Proposed terms for a renewed ceasefire include a 60-day pause in hostilities, the reopening of the strait, and a framework to restart nuclear negotiations, according to CBS News.
Uncertainty looms as military exchanges continue
Trump and senior advisors met Friday to finalize a ceasefire extension but left without a clear path forward. The latest strikes underscore the volatility of the situation, with both sides signaling readiness for further action while maintaining diplomatic channels remain open.
