Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for targeting a U.S. military base in retaliation for fresh American strikes in southern Iran, sharply escalating tensions and casting renewed doubt over efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange marked the second direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran in recent days and the most serious flare-up since a fragile ceasefire came into effect last month after months of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and regional stability.

Iran’s response followed fresh U.S. military operations near Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port city overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.

A U.S. official stated that American forces had shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones and destroyed a ground control station that was allegedly preparing to launch a fifth drone.

According to the official, the strikes were limited in scope and intended to prevent attacks on U.S. forces and commercial vessels operating near the waterway.

Pentagon described the operation as defensive, while US Central Command (Centcom) said the action was “measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire.”

Iran, however, condemned the attacks as “a grave violation of the ceasefire” and vowed retaliation.

Hours later, the IRGC announced that “the U.S. air base identified as the source of the attack was targeted” according to a statement carried by Iranian state media. The Guards did not identify the base involved.

There was no immediate confirmation from Washington that one of its military facilities had been hit, but Kuwait’s military later reported that its air defence systems had intercepted “hostile missile and drone threats.”

Kuwaiti authorities stated that explosions heard in the country were linked to successful interceptions. Kuwait hosts American military facilities that have previously been threatened by Iran and its regional allies during the three-month conflict.

IRGC warned that any additional U.S. attacks would trigger a “more decisive” response and said Washington would bear responsibility for the consequences.

US-Iran Talks Falter as Trump Rejects “Rushed Deal” Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Earlier, US President Donald Trump signalled frustration with the pace of talks, insisting Iran was “negotiating on fumes.”

Trump rejected suggestions that domestic political pressure or upcoming midterm elections would force him into a rushed settlement.

“They thought they were going to outwait me — ‘We’ll outwait him, he’s got the midterms,’ — I don’t care about the midterms.”
Donald Trump

He added that Iran “want very much to make a deal,” but warned: “So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”

The US president also declared that no country would be allowed to dominate the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments normally pass.

The conflict has severely disrupted maritime trade through the narrow waterway, leaving thousands of commercial vessels delayed or stranded and fuelling fears over global energy supplies.

Oil prices rose by around 3% following the renewed clashes after earlier falling on hopes that a peace agreement was close.

Negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar had appeared to make progress over the weekend, but fresh military exchanges have again thrown the talks into uncertainty.

Moreover, Iranian state television recently published what it described as a preliminary “unofficial” memorandum of understanding framework with the United States.

According to the report, Washington had proposed withdrawing forces from areas surrounding Iran and lifting its naval blockade in exchange for Tehran restoring shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels within a month.

The White House immediately dismissed the report, calling it false.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced new sanctions targeting the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, an Iranian body tasked with regulating maritime transit through the strait and collecting tolls from ships passing through the corridor.

Under the proposed system, vessels could reportedly face fees of up to $2 million to transit the route.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as “The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash,” referring to Washington’s campaign of economic pressure against Tehran.

Another major sticking point in negotiations remains Iran’s demand for access to frozen overseas assets.

According to Ali Bagheri, Deputy Head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, “We are seeking the release of all Iranian assets frozen by America, and this is the legitimate right of the Iranian people,” adding, “Iran’s assets must be fully returned to Iran without any conditions.”

The renewed violence has deepened concerns that the conflict could spiral further despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both sides continuing to exchange threats while insisting they remain open to negotiations.