The United States military said on Saturday night that it had shot down two Iranian attack drones which it claimed posed a threat to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said US forces had intercepted the unmanned aerial vehicles after determining that they endangered maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway.
"US forces shot down two Iranian attack drones that threatened international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said.
The command added that American forces remained on high alert and were prepared to defend themselves against any further attacks by Iran.
Escalating military exchanges
The latest incident follows a series of confrontations between the two sides in recent days.
On Friday evening, CENTCOM announced that US forces had shot down four Iranian attack drones heading towards the Strait of Hormuz. The command later said it had also struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar facilities.
Iran responded by announcing the launch of a salvo of missiles targeting what it described as "hostile" military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, two Gulf states that are among Washington's closest regional allies.
According to the US military, six ballistic missiles were intercepted, while a seventh failed to reach its target.
Strategic waterway
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, serving as a key route for global oil and gas exports.
Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and raise concerns about regional security.
The latest military exchanges are likely to heighten fears of a broader confrontation between the United States and Iran at a time of already elevated tensions across the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Despite the recent escalation, Washington and Tehran have been engaged in indirect talks in recent weeks aimed at ending the wider conflict in the region.
So far, however, there has been little indication of a breakthrough.
Neither side has reported significant progress in the negotiations, and the latest military incidents underline the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
