The U.S. military conducted new strikes on an Iranian military site in Bandar Abbas and shot down four Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official confirmed on Wednesday. The strikes, described as 'measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire,' targeted a ground control station that was about to launch a fifth drone. The actions come amid ongoing negotiations to end a three-month-old war that has disrupted global energy markets and raised tensions in the Middle East.
Background and Context
The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which took effect in early April, has been fragile. Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Navy fired toward a U.S. oil tanker, forcing it to turn back. The U.S. military also carried out strikes in southern Iran on Monday, which Iran condemned as a 'gross violation' of the ceasefire. The strikes targeted boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites, according to U.S. Central Command.
Negotiations and Statements
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed an Iranian state media report that Iran and Oman would jointly manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a peace deal. Trump stated that the waterway would remain open. He also described Iran as 'negotiating on fumes' and indicated that the U.S. is not yet satisfied with Iran's offers to make a deal. Earlier, Iranian state TV reported details of a draft agreement that included lifting the naval blockade on Iran and restoring traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House called the report a 'complete fabrication.'
Economic Impact
Oil prices, which had fallen more than 5% on Wednesday, rebounded after the new strikes. U.S. crude futures gained close to 2% to $90.38 a barrel in early Asian trade on Thursday. The conflict has sent global energy prices sharply higher since it began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Military and Diplomatic Responses
The U.S. military's actions were described as defensive, targeting threats to American forces and commercial maritime traffic. Iran has vowed to respond to what it sees as violations of the ceasefire. The strikes come as the U.S. and Iran continue negotiations to end the war, with both sides disputing the terms of a supposed deal.