US Military Helping Move 7 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day Out of the Gulf

U.S. forces downed multiple Iranian drones attempting to strike commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The interception happened just hours after claims from both Tehran and Washington that a deal to end the Middle East war was closer than ever.

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

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." It added, "US 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 route for Gulf oil and gas, "remains open for transit," despite an Iranian-enforced blockade since the conflict began.

Disagreements between the U.S. and Iran persisted, with Iranian state media releasing details of a 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," referring to talks mediated by Pakistan. However, former President Trump accused Iran of negotiating in bad faith and misrepresenting agreed-upon terms.

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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 provided further details in a state television interview, stating the deal includes lifting the U.S. naval blockade of 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, countering U.S. allegations of a nuclear weapons program.

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The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei disputed Trump's accusation, asserting an agreement had been reached "on most points." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed a "final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached," calling it the closest peace has ever been, while acknowledging "incessant misinformation." A senior U.S. official expressed optimism, estimating an 80-85 percent chance of the agreement being signed in the coming days, though not "100 percent." Switzerland has offered to host a potential signing ceremony.

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The only way to deal with the country's enriched uranium -- which Washington alleges is part of a nuclear weapons program -- "is to dilute it inside Iran".