The United States carried out new military strikes on Iranian targets on Thursday after reportedly intercepting Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions in the Gulf despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to American media reports, US forces shot down four drones allegedly launched from Iranian territory and later targeted a drone control facility in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. The operation reportedly stopped another drone from being deployed.
The latest action comes only days after similar US strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, highlighting the growing instability in the region even as both countries continue discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme and a possible de-escalation agreement.
US officials described the latest attacks as “self-defence strikes,” claiming the drones posed a direct threat to American military assets and international shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.
Reports from CNN and The New York Times stated that the strike on Bandar Abbas was aimed at disabling Iran’s drone coordination network. Earlier this week, Washington had also targeted Iranian missile positions and vessels allegedly involved in laying naval mines in Gulf waters.
Iranian state-linked media reported hearing three explosions near Bandar Abbas in the early hours of Thursday morning, around 1:30 am local time. Authorities in Tehran have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage or casualties resulting from the strikes.
The military escalation unfolded as both sides continued sending mixed signals regarding the future of negotiations. US President Donald Trump, speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, said Iran was eager to reach an agreement but warned that Washington was prepared to take stronger action if talks failed.
“Iran wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump told reporters. “We are not satisfied yet, but we will be. Otherwise, we may have to finish the job.”
Trump’s comments came amid heightened uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced disruptions following recent military confrontations. The narrow waterway is considered vital for global energy supplies, with a significant portion of the world’s oil exports passing through it daily.
During the cabinet meeting, Trump also rejected suggestions of any temporary arrangement involving Iran and Oman jointly overseeing security in the strait. He stressed that the passage would remain open under international maritime norms and warned against any attempt to restrict navigation.
The remarks drew attention because Oman has played a key role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran during the recent crisis. Muscat has hosted several rounds of indirect talks aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials signaled both caution and readiness for further confrontation. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, an official linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said the likelihood of a full-scale war remained low but added that Iran’s military was prepared to respond if attacked again.
“Our forces are fully ready and waiting,” Akbarzadeh was quoted as saying by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump indicated that the United States was not rushing to conclude negotiations, even though he had previously suggested that a deal with Tehran was close.
The renewed exchange of military action and warnings has deepened concerns across the Middle East and global financial markets, particularly over the stability of energy supplies and the risk of broader conflict in the Gulf region.
