Dubai/Washington: The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified on Saturday after US forces carried out strikes on Iranian coastal radar and surveillance installations following the interception of Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US military, four drones launched from Iran were shot down after they were detected heading toward the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the drones were believed to be targeting maritime traffic in the region. In response, the US Central Command launched attacks on Iranian surveillance facilities located in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, both situated along the Strait.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it retaliated by launching missiles at US military bases in the Gulf region. The IRGC also said it fired upon four oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorization.
The escalating confrontation triggered security alerts across the Gulf. Kuwaiti authorities reported that air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated emergency sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. Iran asserted that it had successfully targeted US military facilities in both countries, though the US military stated that six missiles were intercepted and a seventh failed to reach its intended target.
The latest military exchange comes as Washington and Tehran continue indirect negotiations aimed at securing an interim agreement to halt the three-month-long conflict. However, repeated clashes have complicated diplomatic efforts and prevented a breakthrough.
Iran is reportedly seeking access to billions of dollars in frozen oil revenues, sanctions relief on crude exports, removal of restrictions affecting its ports, and greater influence over the Strait of Hormuz as part of any potential agreement. The waterway remains a critical global energy route, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply previously passing through it before the conflict disrupted shipping.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that Iran still retains a significant missile and drone capability despite extensive attacks on its military infrastructure. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said most of Iran’s drone and missile production facilities had been destroyed but estimated that Tehran still possesses around 20 percent of its original missile stockpile.
The ongoing conflict has placed increasing political pressure on the Trump administration as rising global oil prices and fuel costs continue to affect consumers and businesses. The war has also disrupted international supply chains and contributed to growing concerns over food security in vulnerable regions.
Iranian officials have linked any future peace agreement to the release of frozen Iranian assets. Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned that renewed US attacks could further deepen the crisis and derail diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, tensions have also flared in Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including near the recently captured Beaufort Castle. Lebanese security officials reported multiple Israeli airstrikes targeting towns across the south.
Iran has reiterated its support for Hezbollah and insisted that any broader settlement with Washington must include an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The latest round of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began in March and has continued despite international efforts to secure ceasefires.
The widening conflict has left several parts of the Middle East under heightened security alert, with residents in Lebanon, Gaza, northern Israel and Gulf nations facing renewed uncertainty amid fears of further escalation.
