US downs Iranian drones in Hormuz Strait as deal could be signed within days, Iran says
US forces shot down multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after both sides signalled a peace agreement could be reached within days.
What happened
The United States shot down several Iranian drones that were targeting commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command announced. The statement, posted on X, said US forces destroyed all drones over recent hours and that maritime traffic continued without disruption. The interception occurred despite a wave of diplomatic optimism earlier in the day.
Iran launched several offensive drones aiming to strike commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. US forces shot them all down in recent hours.
Negotiations at final stage
The drone incident came as Tehran, Washington, and mediator Pakistan voiced confidence that weeks of arduous talks could soon yield a peace deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that the agreement would be signed "within the next few days" once final stages are complete. He said the draft deal provides for the lifting of a US blockade of Iranian ports and a new framework for managing the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a key mediating role, said peace "has never been closer than it is today."
As soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced. This could happen within the next few days. I am optimistic.
US sees high probability
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, estimated the chance of a framework agreement at 80 to 85 percent, though cautioned that the two sides have not yet crossed the finish line. If signed, the accord would launch a 60-day period of technical discussions. The versions of the possible compromise presented by Iranian media and Washington differ significantly, the article noted.
(The two sides) have not yet crossed the finish line.
Israel factor
Araghchi accused Israel of searching for pretexts to derail a potential deal with Washington, a point of friction as negotiations approach a decisive phase.
