US says shot down Iran drones as war reaches 100th day

The United States announced it had destroyed two Iranian drones that posed a threat to international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict that has now reached its 100th day. The incident underscores the persistent volatility in the region, with no immediate end to the war in sight.

These actions occurred as Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran to deliver a "special letter" from Pakistan's army chief to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Naqvi also carried a message from the prime minister regarding the "current situation," according to Iranian state television. This diplomatic effort follows weeks of indirect negotiations characterized by mutual threats and limited military exchanges.

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I think it’s a very important message.

Efforts to transform a fragile ceasefire into a lasting settlement have repeatedly faltered. The conflict has significantly impacted global markets and intensified pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections. Naqvi's trip is seen as a crucial step in mediating talks between Iran and the U.S., following a previous round of direct negotiations in Islamabad.

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are at a deadlock, and Trump must break this deadlock

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the latest U.S. strikes as "flagrant" violations and denounced Washington's "hostile and provocative behavior." This statement came after Tehran fired missiles at U.S. allies Bahrain and Kuwait, drawing strong condemnation from the Gulf monarchies and further straining the ceasefire agreement. Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told CNN that negotiations with the U.S. are at a "deadlock" and that Trump must resolve it, also calling for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury indicated it would explore ways to utilize these frozen assets to compensate Gulf allies for damages caused by Iranian strikes. The situation remains tense, with Lebanon also seeking a resolution to the conflict involving Iran-backed Hezbollah, which attacked Israel on March 2, drawing Lebanon into the wider war.

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I want to express my gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, officers, and soldiers who participated in this highly successful operation.