US Strikes Iran as Negotiations Remain Deadlocked
TEHERAN – US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out a ‘defensive strike’ against Iranian radar and drone sites in the city of Goruk and Qeshm Island over the weekend. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by attacking a US military base in the Gulf.
In a post on X, CENTCOM stated that the US responded to ‘aggressive Iranian actions’, including the downing of an MQ1 drone in international waters. It added that US forces eliminated ‘Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that clearly posed a threat to vessels transiting regional waters’.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked an airbase used to target communication towers on Sirik Island, located in southern Hormozgan province, according to Fars News Agency.
‘Following US military aggression against communication towers on Sirik Island in Hormozgan province one hour ago, IRGC Aerospace Force fighter jets targeted the airbase from which the aggression originated, with the targets reportedly destroyed,’ the report stated.
The IRGC did not specify the location of the facility. Previously, we reported that air defence systems were activated in Kuwait, with sirens sounding across the country.
The Kuwaiti Army General Staff said its air defences were ‘currently facing enemy missile and drone attacks’. It added that any explosions heard were the result of air defence systems intercepting projectiles.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi said Tehran continues to exchange messages with the US regarding a deal to end the war. His comments followed US media reports that Trump had called for stricter terms in the initial agreement. Here’s what we know about the proposed deal:
The agreement would extend the ceasefire between Iran and the US for another 60 days, with negotiations to continue towards a permanent end to the conflict. According to US media reports, the MoU would state that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be ‘unrestricted’ – meaning no toll fees and no ‘harassment’ – and Iran would have 30 days to remove all mines.
The ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports would also be lifted ‘in proportion to the resumption of commercial shipping’ through the strait. The US would also waive certain sanctions against Iran, allowing the country to sell oil freely.
The MoU would include Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. The first issue to be addressed within the 60-day period would be Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and the disposal of its high-enriched uranium stockpile. The MoU also includes mechanisms for Iran to receive humanitarian aid.
Furthermore, the US would commit to discussing sanctions relief and the release of Iran’s frozen overseas assets. According to the report, Israel’s war against Lebanon, with Israel occupying much of southern Lebanon, would also end under the agreement.