US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday after shooting down four Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated the drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic. The strikes hit surveillance sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island.
U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday after shooting down four drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military believes the drones were targeting regional maritime traffic. The strikes hit surveillance sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, both located on the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurs amidst largely indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aimed at securing an interim deal to halt a three-month-old war, with Iran seeking access to oil revenue and sanctions waivers. U.S. President Donald Trump is facing domestic pressure over rising gas prices and commented on Iran's remaining missile and drone capabilities, estimating Iran has about 21%-22% of its missiles left. In a parallel conflict, Iran-aligned armed group Hezbollah has engaged in attacks on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, with Iran reaffirming support for Hezbollah and demanding Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as a condition for any peace deal with Washington. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a U.S.-brokered pact between Israel and the Lebanese government, while Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri suggested a withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon if Israeli troops simultaneously left occupied territory. The war, which began in late February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has seen ceasefires that Trump described as 'shooting in a more moderate manner'.
The strikes escalate tensions in a critical global oil transit route and could impact ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability.