Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 1

The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh military strikes near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, marking a third reported escalation in the region within a week, international media reported.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” targeting Iranian radar and command-and-control sites linked to drone operations in Goruk and Qeshm Island.

“CENTCOM conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and command and control sites for drones in Goruk, Iran and Qeshm Island this weekend,” it said, adding the operations were carried out on Saturday and Sunday in response to what it called “aggressive Iranian actions.”

It said Iranian forces had shot down a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters, prompting a response that destroyed Iranian air defenses, a ground control station and two one-way attack drones. No US personnel were injured, it said.

“CENTCOM will continue to protect US assets and interests in response to unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire,” it added.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had responded by targeting an airbase allegedly used by US forces for operations against southern Iran, though it did not specify the location. The IRGC warned that any further US strikes would be met with a stronger response, BBC reported.

Separately, Kuwait said its air defence systems were intercepting what it described as “hostile missile and drone attacks,” without giving further details. State media reported air raid sirens across parts of the country.

The latest exchange comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts to reach a permanent US-Iran agreement.

According to the BBC, US President Donald Trump is pushing for revisions to a proposed deal, including provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s uranium enrichment stockpiles.