U.S. forces launched new strikes against an Iranian military facility and intercepted several drones near the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials who requested anonymity told reporters on 27 May.
The developments came amid progress in diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement to end the conflict.
According to United States officials, the target was assessed as a potential threat to U.S. forces and commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz area.
One official said U.S. forces also shot down four Iranian strike drones and attacked a ground control centre in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, which was preparing to launch a fifth drone.
Bandar Abbas is located on Iran’s southern coast along the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, which used to carry about a fifth of the world’s oil transit before the war began in late February.
“Iranian drones posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz,” the official said, adding that the waterway has repeatedly faced disruptions due to Iranian activities.
He said the U.S. troops’ actions were “measured, strictly defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed the strikes in a statement saying Iranian strike drones “posed a threat” near the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reiterated its assessment of its actions as defensive and aimed at maintaining the ceasefire.
Earlier this week, the US said it carried out “self-defence strikes”, targeting vessels allegedly involved in planting sea mines. Iran condemned the operations, calling them a violation of what it described as a fragile ceasefire agreement.
The recent exchanges of strikes underscore the ongoing instability in the Gulf region, as well as statements by US President Donald Trump hinting at progress in diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement. The United States and Iran have been exchanging proposals through Pakistani mediators.