The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes over the weekend amid rising tensions linked to ongoing negotiations over a proposed agreement aimed at extending a ceasefire and securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military said it carried out what it described as “self-defence” strikes inside Iran, targeting radar systems and command-and-control facilities following alleged hostile actions against American assets.
According to the U.S. Central Command (United States Central Command), the strikes were in response to Iranian activity, including the reported downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone operating over international waters. It said U.S. fighter jets also destroyed Iranian air defence systems and intercepted two attack drones perceived as threats to maritime traffic.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) claimed it launched strikes against a U.S. air base allegedly linked to earlier attacks on Iranian infrastructure. Iranian state media did not confirm the exact location of the targeted facility.
The escalation comes despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier in April, which both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating in recent weeks. Kuwait also reported intercepting drone and missile activity linked to the broader regional tensions.
At the centre of diplomatic efforts is a proposed framework aimed at formally ending hostilities and reopening negotiations on wider security issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and regional military influence.
Donald Trump has reportedly pushed for revisions to the draft agreement following consultations with advisers, with a focus on stronger guarantees over nuclear restrictions and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials, however, have signalled resistance to any deal they believe undermines their sovereignty. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would not accept any agreement unless its “rights are fully protected.”
While discussions continue, tensions in the Gulf region have raised concerns over global energy stability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption to shipping routes could affect oil supply chains worldwide.