Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed on Thursday that they had attacked a US airbase at 4:50 am, following overnight American strikes. The IRGC did not disclose the location of the base but warned that any repeat of what they termed aggression would draw a 'more decisive' response, placing responsibility for the consequences on the 'aggressor'.
Regional Reactions
Kuwait, which hosts a large US base, announced it was responding to missile and drone attacks without specifying their origin. Israel, engaged in fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, reported sirens regarding hostile aircraft activity in northern Israel.
US Strikes and Defensive Measures
The US military carried out new strikes overnight in Iran, targeting a military site near the Strait of Hormuz that officials believed posed a threat to American forces and commercial shipping. The White House described the strikes as defensive, following Iran's attempted drone attacks. A senior official told Axios that Iran had fired four one-way drones at a US commercial vessel, prompting the military to strike another drone launching unit on the ground.
An official stated, 'Today, US Central Command forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz. US forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone. These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire.'
Negotiations and Trump's Stance
The strikes occurred amid negotiations to end a three-month-old war that has killed thousands and driven global energy prices sharply higher since it began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks. On Wednesday, Trump said he was not satisfied with Iran's offers to make a deal, after Iranian state television reported details of a draft agreement. The White House dismissed the report as a 'complete fabrication'.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump stated, 'Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it, but we will be. Either that or we'll have to just finish the job.' He added that the Iranians were 'negotiating on fumes.'
Secretary of State's Remarks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seated beside Trump, noted 'some progress and some interest' in the talks, but said, 'We'll see over the next few hours and days whether progress can be made.'
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Trump rejected reports that Iran and Oman could control a toll system for the Strait of Hormuz, declaring, 'Nobody, including Iran, will control the strait. The strait is going to be open to everybody. It's international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that, they'll be fine.' The White House did not immediately clarify whether Trump had misspoken. Oman has played a mediation role in the war and has itself come under attack from Tehran.
Iranian Military Posture
Senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards official Mohammad Akbarzadeh said the likelihood of 'war is low because of the enemy's weakness', but warned the military was 'lying in wait with full magazines' if attacked, according to Tasnim news agency.
