A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came under renewed strain this weekend after American forces launched strikes against Iranian military targets, accusing Tehran of shooting down a US drone and threatening ships traveling through regional waters.

US Central Command announced that American fighter aircraft carried out what it described as ‘self-defense strikes’ against Iranian radar and drone command facilities in southern Iran after a series of what it called aggressive actions by the regime.

The strikes targeted a ground control radar station and command-and-control sites for drones in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, according to CENTCOM.

The military said the operation was triggered by the shooting down of a US MQ-1 drone that was flying over international waters.

‘The measured and deliberate strikes occurred on Saturday and Sunday in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters,’ CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.

It added that no US military personnel were harmed.

The two countries had traded strikes ​last week ​as ⁠well with Iran targeting a US air base after ​the US military carried ​out ⁠what a Washington official said were strikes targeting an Iranian drone ⁠operation ​near the Strait of ​Hormuz.

The US strike is now  the third time that the ceasefire between Iran and America has been violated since it was agreed in early April.

On the two prior occasions, the truce between Tehran and Washington was able to continue as both countries played down the significance of the exchange of strikes.

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran (file photo from March 2026)

Iran warned it was not yet ready to sign a deal with the US to end the conflict, and would charge ‘navigational fees’ on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

President Trump has insisted he will not make a deal to end war with Iran unless certain conditions are met, including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees Tehran will not develop nuclear weapons

Early on Monday, Kuwait’s military said that its air defenses were actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones after the country came under attack amid escalating tensions across the Gulf.

State media reported air raid sirens sounding across Kuwait as military units responded to what officials described as hostile aerial threats.

Kuwait is among several Gulf nations targeted by Iranian retaliatory attacks earlier this year after the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The Kuwaiti army announced that its air defenses were intercepting missile and drone attacks.

‘The General Staff of the Army wishes to advise that any sounds of explosions heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting these hostile attacks,’ the Kuwaiti army said in a statement. 

The Kuwaiti army announced that its air defenses were intercepting missile and drone attacks. Pictured, Kuwaiti Patriot missile batteries are seen north of Kuwait City (file photo)