The United States said it has completed a series of retaliatory strikes against Iranian assets following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, while Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward American-linked targets in the Gulf, raising fresh concerns over regional stability even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain on track.
US forces attacked Iranian military facilities after Iran launched “unprovoked” missile, drone and small boat attacks against American warships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely blocked by Iran, starting Monday.
Mixed signals from the United States are adding to uncertainty over the direction of the Iran conflict, even as Donald Trump is set to receive a high-level military briefing on potential next steps.
The US military said on Saturday that two of its warships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz and conditions were being set to clear mines, while Iran's state media denied any US ships had transited the waterway.
