Hormuz Tensions Escalate as US Launches New Strike on Iran
US forces launched a new strike against Iran on Wednesday local time after Tehran was reported to have sent drones towards commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred amid diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
US officials stated that American forces shot down several Iranian drones and struck a drone control station near Bandar Abbas, a major southern Iranian port city in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The location was deemed a threat to US forces and international commercial shipping routes in the region.
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Thursday, 28 May 2026, Iran reportedly launched four one-way attack drones towards US military and commercial vessels on Wednesday morning. US F/A-18, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets shot down the drones, with an F/A-18 subsequently striking a ground control unit before a fifth drone could be launched, according to an official.
As with earlier US strikes this week, government officials described the action as limited and defensive, not an escalation that would undermine the mostly observed ceasefire. Two officials stated there were no casualties during the incident.
Kuwait was attacked on Thursday morning following the US strikes, ending a calm period under the ceasefire. Kuwaiti military said they intercepted enemy missiles and drones and urged residents to seek shelter.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), responsible for defending the regime and enforcing control in the strait, stated it had attacked US bases in retaliation and would respond to future strikes.
The clashes highlight the challenges facing White House negotiations to secure a peace deal that lowers oil prices, curbs Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, and allows President Trump to claim his Middle East military operations have achieved key objectives.
Trump indicated in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting that he is still seeking a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz for trade and eliminate Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in the cabinet meeting that the government’s preference remains a negotiated agreement with Iran.
‘Diplomacy is always the first option,’ Rubio said.