US Strikes Iranian Radar Sites After Drone Shootdown, Iran Targets US Base and Kuwait Intercepts Missiles Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
The US struck Iranian radar and drone sites over the weekend after Iran shot down an American drone, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting a US airbase, while Kuwait intercepted incoming missiles and drones.
Escalation over the weekend
The US military conducted airstrikes on Iranian radar and drone control sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island after Iran shot down an MQ-1 Predator drone over international waters. CENTCOM said the strikes were "self-defense" and eliminated Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones. No US personnel were hurt. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it retaliated by targeting an air base used by US forces for the attack on southern Iran, though it did not name the base.
Kuwait under attack
Kuwait, which hosts a major US military base, reported that its air defenses intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks early Monday. Sirens sounded across the country. While no group claimed responsibility, the attacks are widely believed to have been launched by Iran or Iran-backed militias in Iraq, aligning with IRGC's retaliation claim.
Diplomatic deadlock
The latest exchange came despite a fragile ceasefire in place since early April. Negotiations for a more durable agreement have made little progress. President Trump posted on Truth Social:
He also told critics to "just sit back and relax," saying everything would work out. However, reports indicate Trump wants tougher terms, including on Strait of Hormuz shipping and the removal of highly enriched uranium. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said messages were still being exchanged, but Tehran's chief negotiator insisted Iran would not agree unless its rights were fully guaranteed.Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA.
Broader conflict and impact
The US-Israel war launched on February 28 has killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up global energy prices, putting pressure on Trump ahead of November congressional elections. Oil prices rose about 2% in Asia on Monday. Israel intensified operations in Lebanon, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordering forces to push deeper into the country, and Hezbollah claimed it shot down an Israeli drone.
Other developments
Iran restored gas production at three South Pars platforms damaged by Israeli strikes in March. Meanwhile, Iran executed two men convicted for their role in January's anti-government protests, drawing condemnation.
Timeline of the conflict
- US and Israel launch war on Iran, triggering months of devastating strikes.
- Ceasefire takes effect in early April, but sporadic exchanges continue.
- A similar exchange of strikes occurs between the US and Iran.
- US conducts weekend strikes on Iranian radar and drone sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island.
- Iran targets a US air base; Kuwait intercepts incoming missiles and drones.
