US launches fresh strikes on Iran, downs attack drones near Hormuz

Washington DC: The United States launched fresh “self-defence strikes” on Iranian military targets on Thursday after reportedly intercepting Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, AP reported, marking another sharp escalation in tensions despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The latest military action comes just two days after Washington conducted similar strikes on Iranian facilities, even as both sides continue negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme and a possible broader peace agreement.

According to US media reports, the US military shot down four drones launched from Iran and struck a control centre in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

The strike in Bandar Abbas prevented a fifth drone from being launched, CNN and The New York Times reported, and follows what the US military described as "self-defence" attacks overnight Monday to Tuesday on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats.

Iran on Wednesday said a return to war was unlikely but that its military was nonetheless "lying in wait", while US President Donald Trump threatened to "finish the job" if Tehran did not agree to deal.

The mixed signals underscored the fragile state of talks aimed at ending a Middle East war that has shaken global energy markets and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

"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," Trump said at a televised White House cabinet meeting.

"Either that or we'll have to just finish the job."

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Trump also appeared to direct a warning at Oman, a US ally and mediator in the conflict, when asked about a possible short-term arrangement allowing Iran and Oman to control the Strait of Hormuz.

"No, the strait is going to be open to everybody," Trump said. "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 media reported early Thursday morning that three loud explosions were heard near the port city Bandar Abbas, around 1:30 am (2200 GMT Wednesday).

Earlier on Wednesday, 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, Tasnim news agency reported.

Trump, who said at the weekend a deal was close, also told the cabinet meeting he was in no rush.