(Image source from: AFP)
The United States performed what it described as "self-defense strikes" on Iranian radar and drone control locations in the Goruk and Qeshm Islands over the weekend. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated these new strikes were a reaction to "hostile" actions from Tehran. This happened while both countries were negotiating a peace deal to prolong a ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM mentioned in a post on X that "US Central Command conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and drone control sites in Goruk, Iran, and Qeshm Island this weekend. " These strikes were a response to the downing of an American MQ-1 Predator drone this weekend, which was flying over international waters. CENTCOM noted that US fighter jets took action by destroying Iranian air defense systems, a ground control facility, and two one-way attack drones, ensuring that no US military personnel were injured during the strikes. Last week, the two nations had also exchanged attacks, with Iran hitting a US airbase after the US military conducted what a Washington official described as strikes aimed at an Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iran's Fars news agency, which cited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian forces targeted an airbase that had been used to attack a communications tower on Sirik Island, found in the southern Hormozgan province, following US strikes. It did not clarify which US airbase was hit, probably referring to an attack in Kuwait. The IRGC reportedly stated, “After the US army attacked a communication tower on Sirik Island in Hormozgan Province an hour ago, the IRGC Aerospace Force fighters targeted the airbase from which the attack was launched, and the intended targets were destroyed. ”
In the meantime, Kuwait announced that its air defense systems had fired early Monday morning to intercept incoming drone and missile threats. No one immediately took responsibility for the attack on Kuwait, although it was likely carried out by Iran or Iranian-supported Shiite militias in Iraq. Both have frequently attacked Kuwait during the Iran War. Amid rising tensions, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Tehran is still communicating with the US about a potential agreement to conclude the war. This announcement followed reports from US media that Trump had requested stronger conditions in the initial agreement.
