Washington: The US military has launched another series of airstrikes, targeting Iranian military bases in the Strait of Hormuz. Late last night, four Iranian drones were shot down, and a ground control station in Bandar Abbas was destroyed as it prepared to launch a fifth drone.
According to Thai News Agency, the United States described the attack as a preventative measure to uphold the ceasefire and protect commercial shipping in the region. In response, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps immediately retaliated by shelling a US air base. While the specific location of the American base remains undisclosed, Iran issued a warning that continued US aggression would provoke a more decisive response, holding the US accountable for any resulting consequences.
This military operation occurs amidst ongoing negotiations to end the conflict, which began on February 28th and has persisted for four months. The war, involving the United States and Israeli forces, has resulted in thousands of casualties and significantly increased global energy prices. Earlier this week, the US also targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels and missile launch sites, actions that Iran claims breached the ceasefire agreement established in early April.
In a cabinet meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump refuted reports from Iranian state media suggesting a draft agreement where Iran and Oman would jointly manage shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz to normalize trade within a month. President Trump emphasized that these strategic waterways must remain open and free from any country's control, also sending a cautionary message to Oman, a long-standing ally of the US.
Additionally, President Trump addressed concerns about the political implications of these actions and the upcoming midterm elections, asserting that the Iranian leader had misjudged his willingness to compromise under electoral pressure. He expressed discomfort with the prospect of Russia or China acquiring Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, a matter that could further complicate peace discussions and arms control efforts in the Middle East.