The United States has bombed Iranian radar and drone control facilities after Iran shot down a US MQ-1 Predator drone over the weekend, the US military said Monday. Iran confirmed it carried out retaliatory strikes, while Kuwait reported that its air defence systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles.
The back-and-forth attacks underline the fragility of a weeks-long ceasefire in the Iran conflict, which has seen repeated violations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to extend the truce. Iran has also continued to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies as a significant share of the world’s oil and gas once passed through the key waterway.
At the same time, violence is spreading across the wider region, with Israel expanding its presence in Lebanon beyond the Litani River and Hezbollah continuing drone attacks into Israeli territory.
US says it targeted Iranian military sites
US Central Command said it conducted strikes on Saturday and Sunday near Geruk and on Qeshm Island inside Iran.
It said the action was taken in response to “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the shooting down of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.
According to the statement, US fighter jets destroyed Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station and two attack drones that posed a threat to commercial shipping in the region. No US troops were injured.
The MQ-1 Predator drone has largely been replaced in US Air Force service by the MQ-9 Reaper, though the US Army still operates the older model.
Kuwait reports interception of aerial threats
Kuwait said its air defence forces opened fire early Monday to intercept incoming drones and missiles. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, quoted by state media IRNA, claimed US forces had struck a telecommunications tower.
The Guard also said it had launched a counterattack, without providing details, likely referring to the reported strike involving Kuwait. Kuwait hosts US Army Central, the forward headquarters of US forces in the Middle East.
Iranian state television later aired footage of missile launches, including one showing a message aimed at the United States and President Donald Trump, stating: “Until the last American soldier leaves the region.”
Ceasefire talks under strain
The latest attacks come despite continued diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire, particularly discussions over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Over the weekend, US forces also targeted a Gambia-flagged cargo ship attempting to break a blockade of Iranian ports.
Although some ships have managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, tensions continue to threaten global energy and fertilizer supplies, raising concerns over potential shortages. The Gulf region accounts for around 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizers.
US President Donald Trump met advisers on Friday but has not yet decided on extending the ceasefire and reopening the strait. Iran has said no final agreement has been reached.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was interested in a deal, adding: “It will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us.”