US military strikes Iranian site; Iran says it targeted US base
The Story
The US military conducted strikes on a military site in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, according to US Central Command, which described the action as self-defense. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a US air base in response, though it did not specify the location. The renewed hostilities threaten a fragile ceasefire between the two countries.
Key Facts
- The US military struck a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city in Iran.
- US Central Command said the site was about to launch a fifth drone when it was struck.
- Iranian media reported explosions were heard east of Bandar Abbas.
- US forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones “that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz”.
- The US described its actions as “measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire”.
- Iran condemned the strikes as “a grave violation of the ceasefire” and vowed retaliation.
- This is the second time in three days the US has attacked targets in Iran.
- Earlier this week, the US confirmed strikes on Monday targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US imposed sanctions on the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority”, the Iranian body tasked with collecting payments from ships.
- The US Treasury Department warned that any ships paying the authority could be “exposed to the risk of sanctions”.
- One-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas and oil normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz; its closure has impacted global fuel trade.
- Iran foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran was collecting fees for “navigational services” and would continue to manage traffic.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the fee collection as “the Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade” and “proof” Iran is “desperate for cash”.
- The IRGC said on Tuesday it had downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet and another drone that entered Iranian airspace, but did not specify when.
- Israel launched the war against Iran alongside the US on 28 February.
- President Donald Trump said at a cabinet meeting that “maybe we have to go back and finish it, maybe we don’t.”
- Trump said a peace deal had been “largely negotiated” but later said the US is “not satisfied”.
- Iranian state TV reported details of a draft agreement including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and US withdrawal; the White House called the text a “complete fabrication”.
Conflicting Reports
- Iranian state TV reported details of a draft agreement to end the conflict, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawal of US forces. The White House described that text as a “complete fabrication”.
Still Unclear
- The IRGC said it targeted a US air base but did not provide details of its location.
- The IRGC said it downed a US drone and fired at a fighter jet and another drone that entered Iranian airspace, but did not specify when those actions occurred.
- Kuwait said its air defenses were intercepting “hostile missile and drone threats” but did not specify where they were coming from.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran foreign ministry spokesman
- Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary
- Donald Trump, US President
