The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April.
US Central Command reported on Friday that American forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites after shooting down four Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz. The drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic, according to US officials.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards responded by firing ballistic missiles at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. US Central Command said Iran launched seven missiles, with six intercepted by air defence systems. The seventh missile did not reach its intended target. US officials confirmed there were no reports of casualties among American personnel.
The latest exchange came despite ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began nearly 100 days ago following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. A ceasefire took effect on April 8, but analysts have warned that the agreement remains fragile.
The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil transit. Regional tensions have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
Meanwhile, US officials confirmed that Iranian national football team players had received visas to travel to the FIFA World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. A US official said the move reflected longstanding policy that sports transcend political conflicts.
Diplomatic efforts to reach a broader peace agreement continue. Officials from both sides have held largely indirect negotiations, with Tehran seeking access to frozen oil revenue and relief from sanctions as conditions for any comprehensive deal.