US downs Iranian drones targeting ships amid peace talks

U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday. The incident occurred just hours after both Iran and the U.S. indicated a deal to end the Middle East war was nearing completion. This interception follows weeks of intermittent negotiations between Tehran and Washington, facilitated by Pakistan, which have been characterized by threats and exchanges of fire despite a fragile truce established in April.

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Iran had "launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz".

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on X that Iran had "launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz." CENTCOM confirmed that "U.S. forces have downed all of them in recent hours as traffic flow through the strait continues unimpeded." The command emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for oil and gas, "remains open for transit," despite an Iranian-enforced blockade since the war's commencement.

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U.S. forces have downed all of them in recent hours as traffic flow through the strait continues unimpeded.

Disagreements between the U.S. and Iran persisted, with Iranian state media releasing details of the proposed agreement that differed from Washington's account. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that "The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer," referencing the Pakistani capital where previous talks were held. Former President Trump, who had accused Iran of negotiating in bad faith, later shared a screenshot of Araghchi's message.

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The Strait of Hormuz -- a key maritime trade route for oil and gas from the Gulf -- "remains open for transit".

Araghchi elaborated in a state television interview, stating the agreement includes the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and unspecified adjustments to the administration of the Strait of Hormuz. He also addressed Iran's enriched uranium, suggesting it should be diluted within Iran. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei countered Trump's accusation, asserting that an agreement "on most points" had been reached. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed a "final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached," though he acknowledged "incessant misinformation." A senior U.S. official expressed optimism, estimating the likelihood of signing the agreement in the coming days at 80-85 percent, though "not 100 percent."

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The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer.