US launches new strikes on Iranian drone targets near Hormuz

The United States carried out fresh strikes targeting an Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said on Wednesday, amid renewed tensions despite an April ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

According to the official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, US forces shot down four Iranian attack drones and struck a ground control station in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch another drone.

The official described the operation as “measured” and “purely defensive”, saying it was intended to maintain the ceasefire and protect US forces and commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.

Iranian media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Navy fired warning shots toward vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to turn back. Iranian officials also claimed US strikes targeted open ground near Bandar Abbas, with no casualties reported.

At a cabinet meeting, Donald Trump dismissed reports by Iranian state media claiming that Tehran and Washington were close to an agreement to restore commercial shipping traffic through the strait.

Trump said no single country would control the waterway, calling it “international waters”.

The renewed tensions affected energy markets, with oil prices rebounding after reports of the latest US military action. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil and gas shipments.