The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes over the weekend, testing a fragile ceasefire that has held since April 8. The escalation threatens efforts to stabilize the Middle East and restore shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
On Friday, the U.S. military intercepted four Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). In response, American forces struck Iranian coastal radar installations in Goruk and on Qeshm Island. CENTCOM said the drones posed an immediate threat to maritime traffic.
Tensions rose further when air raid sirens sounded in Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait's military said its air defense systems were engaging hostile missiles and drones. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they launched missiles at "enemy bases in the area," retaliating for what they called a U.S. invasion of the islands of Sirik and Qeshm.
CENTCOM reported Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain. Six were intercepted; one failed to reach its target. There were no reports of harm to U.S. personnel.
The renewed violence follows weeks of difficult diplomacy aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.