American forces shoot down Iranian drones as tensions escalate despite ongoing diplomacy
The United States carried out fresh strikes on an Iranian military facility near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz after American forces intercepted multiple Iranian attack drones in the region, according to US officials.
Officials familiar with the operation said US Central Command forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were considered a potential threat near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil shipping routes.
American forces also targeted an Iranian drone control station in Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch a fifth drone, officials told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.
The latest operation marks the second US “defensive strike” against Iran this week, signalling a sharp escalation in military tensions between Washington and Tehran even as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.
The developments came as US President Donald Trump claimed Iran was “negotiating on fumes” and suggested Tehran’s economic condition had severely deteriorated under mounting international pressure.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump alleged that Iran’s economy was in “free fall,” claiming inflation had spiralled and the Iranian currency had effectively collapsed.
“Their whole economic system is broken down,” Trump said while reiterating his long-standing warning that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
“They would use it instantly. I’m doing this for the world, not just for us,” he added.
Trump also made strong remarks regarding the Strait of Hormuz, vowing that no country would be allowed to control the crucial maritime route through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes.
On the issue of sanctions relief, Trump rejected the possibility of easing restrictions on Iran as part of any future nuclear agreement.
In remarks to PBS News, he insisted that Tehran would have to surrender its highly enriched uranium without receiving economic concessions in return.
“No, no, not at all. Not sanctions relief, no,” Trump said. “They’re gonna give up their highly enriched uranium not for sanctions relief.”
Trump also indicated he was opposed to any arrangement under which Iran would transfer enriched uranium stockpiles to either Russia or China.
The fresh military action is likely to intensify concerns over stability in the Gulf region and could trigger renewed volatility in global energy markets if tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz.
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