New Delhi, Jun 1: The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh military strikes near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, marking the third known escalation in the region within a week, international media reported.
The US Central Command (Centcom) said, “CENTCOM conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and command and control sites for drones in Goruk, Iran and Qeshm Island this weekend. The measured and deliberate strikes occurred on Saturday and Sunday in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters. US fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters. No American service members were harmed. CENTCOM will continue to protect US assets and interests in response to unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted an airbase used by US forces to launch attacks on southern Iran, though it did not disclose the location.
The IRGC warned that any repeat of US attacks would trigger a stronger response, BBC reported.
Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air-defence systems were intercepting “hostile missile and drone attacks,” but did not provide further details.
Air raid sirens were reported across the country, according to state media.
The latest exchange comes as efforts to secure a permanent US-Iran agreement remain stalled.
The BBC reported that US President Donald Trump is seeking changes to a proposed deal, including provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
