US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran Targets Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The United States has carried out a new round of military strikes on Iranian targets, marking the second direct attack within three days and raising fresh concerns over the future of the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
According to US Central Command (Centcom), American forces targeted a military site in Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port city located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The US military said the site was preparing to launch another attack drone when it was struck.
Centcom also confirmed that four Iranian one-way attack drones were intercepted and destroyed after they allegedly posed a threat near the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Iranian state media reported explosions east of Bandar Abbas shortly after the strikes were announced.
US Says Strikes Were “Defensive”
The Pentagon described the operation as a “measured and defensive” response aimed at maintaining the ceasefire and protecting US forces stationed in the region.
Earlier this week, US forces also launched strikes on missile sites and Iranian boats accused of attempting to place naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington claimed those operations were necessary to defend American troops and international shipping lanes.
However, Iran strongly condemned the latest attacks, calling them “a grave violation of the ceasefire” and warning that Tehran would not leave “any act of hostility unanswered.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed it had shot down a US drone and engaged another American aircraft that allegedly entered Iranian airspace.
Trump Warns Iran Over Nuclear Deal
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were continuing but warned that Washington was still dissatisfied with the progress of talks.
“Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. “So far, they haven’t gotten there and we’re not satisfied with it.”
The president also hinted at the possibility of renewed large-scale military action if negotiations fail.
“Maybe we have to go back and finish it, maybe we don’t,” Trump added.
The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran began on 28 February after coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Since then, tensions in the Gulf region have escalated sharply, disrupting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and driving global energy prices higher.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
Although both Washington and Tehran recently signalled that progress had been made toward a possible peace agreement, the latest military exchange threatens to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iranian media earlier reported details of an alleged draft agreement that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing the US military presence in the region. The White House dismissed the report as “completely fabricated.”
Despite ongoing negotiations, analysts fear the renewed strikes could push the region closer to a wider conflict if diplomacy collapses.
