Shortly after midnight, the United States struck Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas, which is home to a naval base. A US official described the actions as “measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire.”
Trump: Iran Ceasefire Is “On Life Support”
In addition to the strikes, the US official told media outlets that American forces shot down four Iranian kamikaze drones that “posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz” and had also struck a ground control station in Bandar Abbas that “was about to launch a fifth drone.”
Previously, there had been reports of the US striking Iranian naval vessels with fighter jets. The US called these attacks “self-defense,” while Iran called them a ceasefire violation.
The IRGC later released a statement saying it targeted a US base involved in the earlier strike on a site near Bandar Abbas Airport. “The aggressor bears full responsibility for the consequences,” the statement said, putting the blame on the US.
The current ceasefire has held since April 8th, as the US and Iran continue negotiations to end the war.
Iranian Naval Vessels Attacked By US Jets
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted a US airbase in the region on Thursday in response to new strikes, marking the second armed clash between the rivals this week.
The IRGC later released a statement saying it targeted a US base involved in the earlier strike on a site near Bandar Abbas Airport. “The aggressor bears full responsibility for the consequences,” the statement said. –RT
Some US officials had indicated this week that Iran and the US are close to reaching an initial peace agreement; however, there are no signs that either Washington or Tehran is willing to compromise. Both countries have accused each other of setting unacceptable terms, and now both appear to have violated the ceasefire they agreed to.
Iran’s Drones, Defense Base Being Restored ‘Faster Than Expected’ Amid Extended Ceasefire