The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out self defense strikes on Iranian radar facilities and drone command and control sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island over the weekend. The strikes were conducted on Saturday and Sunday following what Washington described as aggressive Iranian actions.
According to CENTCOM, the operation came after Iran shot down a U.S. MQ 1 drone that was flying over international waters. U.S. fighter aircraft then targeted and destroyed Iranian air defense systems, a drone ground control station, and two one way attack drones that were considered threats to shipping in the region.
U.S. officials said no American service members were injured during the operation. CENTCOM added that it will continue taking action to protect U.S. personnel, assets, and interests during the ongoing ceasefire period.
American officials also revealed that CENTCOM has escorted around 70 merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the past three weeks as efforts to end the Iran war remain stalled. Many ships reportedly traveled with AIS tracking systems switched off to reduce the risk of detection.
Officials did not disclose the exact routes used by the vessels but said some shipping corridors were positioned farther away from the Iranian coastline. Maritime analysts believe many convoys instead favored routes closer to Oman. U.S. authorities warned that vessels approaching Iranian waters without authorization face a high risk of being targeted by Iranian drones or missiles.
Iranian media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched strikes against a U.S. airbase that it claimed had been used to attack a communications tower on Sirik Island in southern Iran. The IRGC said it destroyed the designated targets in retaliation for what it called U.S. aggression.
Mohsen Rezaee, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned that continued U.S. military operations could lead to serious consequences. He said Iran is prepared to respond to any prolonged maritime blockade and claimed the IRGC has developed a new warfare system based on asymmetric tactics and low cost drones capable of striking high value targets.
Despite the tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said communication and information exchanges between Tehran and Washington are continuing. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Baghaei said negotiations remain difficult because of what he described as frequent shifts in U.S. positions. He accused both the United States and Israel of undermining regional stability, said U.S. strikes violated the ceasefire, and stressed that ending the war remains the priority. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused the U.S. and Israel of failing to honor ceasefire commitments and warned that their actions would eventually carry consequences.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States and expressed confidence that negotiations would ultimately succeed. Trump also criticized political opponents and some Republicans for publicly commenting on the negotiations, arguing that such remarks make diplomacy more difficult. He urged critics to ‘sit back and relax,’ saying the situation would work out in the end.
Update: Iran Suspends US Talks, Oil Surges 5%
Iranian state media said Tehran has suspended mediator-led negotiations and document exchanges with the United States, citing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and alleged ceasefire violations across multiple fronts. Iranian officials said talks will not resume until Israel halts military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and withdraws from occupied areas in Lebanon.
Iran and the Axis of Resistance warned they could block the Strait of Hormuz and open additional fronts, including the Mandeb Strait, to pressure Israel and its allies. Following the developments, U.S. Treasuries extended losses while WTI crude oil jumped about 5% intraday to $91.75 per barrel.
EU urges Israel to halt military escalation in Lebanon; Saudi Arabia condemns strikes
The EU called on Israel to stop escalating military operations in Lebanon, respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue diplomatic efforts to secure long term stability.
The EU said it is examining a potential new security and defense mission to help Lebanon strengthen border security and state control after UNIFIL’s mandate expires in late 2026. Saudi Arabia also condemned what it described as Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
Trump says if reports that Iran has suspended talks with the US are true, “that’s okay.”
Trump says the US may have been talking too much with Iran and that staying silent for a long period could be a better approach. He stressed that silence does not mean military action, saying Washington will continue its blockade and pressure campaign.
Trump also said he does not care if US-Iran negotiations end, telling CNBC, “I really don’t care.” He added that he plans to ask Israeli PM Netanyahu about reports that military operations in Lebanon could affect the talks.
Despite oil prices rising on fears Iran could halt negotiations and block the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he is not concerned and expects oil prices to fall sharply in the near future.
Update: Trump says he held a “very productive” call with Netanyahu and claims Israeli troops heading toward Beirut have been turned back.
Trump also says Hezbollah agreed to halt all shooting through intermediaries, with both sides pledging not to attack each other, signaling a possible easing of Israel-Lebanon tensions.
BREAKING: Trump says talks with Iran are continuing at a rapid pace, pushing back against reports of a breakdown in negotiations.
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