US attacks Iranian sites after Iran launches drones, in latest Gulf flare-up

US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday following Iran's launch of drones toward the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest escalation in the region. The US military stated that four Iranian drones were believed to be targeting maritime traffic.

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The US military believes the four Iranian drones were targeting regional maritime traffic, a US official told Reuters.

In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had targeted US bases with missiles and fired on tankers attempting to cross the strait without permission. Kuwaiti and Bahraini media reported missile and drone attacks, with residents urged to seek shelter. Iran claimed to have hit US bases in both countries, but the US military reported intercepting most of the missiles.

The skirmishes occur amid ongoing, largely indirect negotiations between the US and Iran. These talks aim for an interim deal to halt the three-month war, with issues like Iran's nuclear program deferred to further discussions. A deal has remained elusive, partly due to Iran's demands for access to oil revenue, sanctions waivers, and the lifting of a US blockade on its ports.

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US Central Command said on X that the US then struck Iran’s surveillance sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, which are both on the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump faces domestic pressure to end the war due to rising gas prices. He told NBC that while Iran's missile and drone manufacturing facilities were largely destroyed, the country still possesses a significant number of missiles. Trump attributed Iran's reluctance to strike a deal to their pride and strength, suggesting they would eventually be compelled to do so.

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted US bases in the region with missiles in retaliation for US ​strikes and fired on four tankers attempting to cross the strait without its permission.

The conflict has driven up oil prices and disrupted supply chains, pushing millions closer to hunger due to increased fuel and transport costs, according to the UN World Food Programme.

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They have some missiles, they have some drones. ​I would say percentage wise, maybe 21%-22% of their missiles. It’s a lot of missiles, but it’s not what it was when we first attacked.