Washington, May 28: US forces carried out fresh defensive strikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday after intercepting multiple attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, according to American officials.
Officials familiar with the operation said US Central Command shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were considered a direct threat in the strategically sensitive waterway. American forces also targeted an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was reportedly preparing to launch another drone.
The latest military action came as President Donald Trump claimed Iran was “negotiating on fumes” and signalled confidence that a settlement to the nearly three-month-long conflict could soon be reached.
Addressing a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said Tehran was eager to finalise an agreement despite disagreements that continue to delay a breakthrough.
“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said, while asserting that the upcoming US midterm elections would not influence his strategy toward Iran.
The US President is seeking an arrangement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and significantly curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities, allowing Washington to scale down military involvement in the region.
However, negotiations remain complicated after recent American strikes on Iranian missile launch positions and minelaying boats in southern Iran. Washington described those attacks as defensive actions carried out with restraint, while Tehran accused the United States of acting in bad faith.
The proposed agreement has also triggered criticism within Trump’s Republican camp. Several senior Republican lawmakers, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, have expressed concern that the emerging framework resembles the nuclear agreement negotiated during former President Barack Obama’s administration.
Under the developing proposal, Iran would surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief. Sources involved in the negotiations said details regarding the handling of the uranium would likely be discussed during a separate 60-day implementation phase.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran currently possesses more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity, placing it close to weapons-grade levels.
Another unresolved issue is whether any ceasefire arrangement would also include Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran has reportedly demanded that Lebanon be covered under any broader regional agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has meanwhile announced an expansion of Israeli military operations in Lebanon, where clashes with Hezbollah fighters have intensified in recent days.
Trump also renewed calls for countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, the US-backed diplomatic initiative aimed at normalising ties with Israel.
Regional observers, however, remain doubtful about rapid expansion of the accords, particularly as Saudi Arabia continues to insist on progress toward Palestinian statehood before formal recognition of Israel.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, Gulf allies are said to support continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation across the Middle East.