WASHINGTON — U.S. forces carried out defensive strikes against Iranian targets for the second time this week as American and Iranian officials continued negotiations over a long-term peace agreement, according to U.S. officials.
American forces shot down four one-way attack drones Wednesday that officials said threatened shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, the Associated Press reported. U.S. forces also struck an Iranian ground control station tied to a fifth drone.
Earlier Wednesday, Donald Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House that Iran was attempting to delay negotiations. He also said no country would control the Strait of Hormuz under any future agreement, describing the waterway as international waters.
On Thursday, reports emerged that the United States and Iran had reached a tentative agreement to extend the current ceasefire for 60 days to allow additional time for nuclear negotiations. The proposed extension was awaiting approval from Trump, according to FOX News.
United States Central Command said Thursday that 111 Iranian-flagged vessels had been redirected away from the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the region.
CENTCOM also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire after missile attacks targeted Kuwait. Kuwaiti forces intercepted at least one ballistic missile, according to U.S. officials.
Kuwait’s military said Thursday that missile and drone strikes had hit locations in the country. Iranian officials later acknowledged carrying out attacks in the region but did not specify the targets.
