The United States said it carried out strikes on Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites after intercepting four Iranian attack drones that were allegedly launched toward the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces shot down all four one-way attack drones, saying they posed an “immediate threat” to maritime traffic in one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Following the interceptions, US forces targeted Iranian radar installations in Goruk and on Qeshm Island. CENTCOM described the operation as a defensive measure aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting freedom of navigation in the region.
“Moments ago, CENTCOM forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz. The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic. U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island to defend against further attacks,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
The US military added that it would continue to respond to what it called “unjustified Iranian aggression” in self-defence.
“American forces remain vigilant and postured to respond to unjustified Iranian aggression in self-defense,” it said.
The developments came as Iranian media reported military activity near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency said Iranian forces fired several warning shots in waters near the strategic waterway on Saturday. Mehr reported that the warning shots may have been fired in response to the repositioning of US naval vessels in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a significant share of global oil and gas exports passing through the narrow waterway. Any military confrontation in the area is closely watched by global markets and regional powers due to its potential impact on international shipping and energy supplies.
The latest exchange underscores the fragile security situation in the Gulf, where tensions between the United States and Iran continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing the risk of a wider conflict.
– Ends
Source link
[ad_3]
