US forces shoot down Iranian drones near Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, with U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stating the international trade corridor remains open for transit. This assertion contrasts with a declaration by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), an Iranian agency, that the strait would be closed until further notice due to regional tensions.

The drone incident occurs as the U.S. and Iran signal that an agreement to end their roughly three-and-a-half-month conflict is nearing finalization. A draft deal reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Donald Trump indicated the strait would officially open soon after the deal is signed.

This development follows a week of heightened hostilities, including U.S. "self-defense" strikes against Iran after an Iranian military downed an Army helicopter near the strait. The U.S. official noted that the draft deal meets President Trump's core objectives, and Washington expects to sign the initial agreement in the coming days, with negotiations on Iran's nuclear program to follow. Israel has stated it will not be party to the proposed agreement.