US says it shot down Iranian drones in fresh gulf escalation

The United States has announced that it shot down two Iranian drones it said were threatening the Strait of Hormuz, marking a new escalation in tensions as the ongoing conflict entered its 100th day on Sunday.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor, and weeks of indirect negotiations and sporadic military exchanges have so far failed to produce a lasting ceasefire or reopen the waterway.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it destroyed the drones after they were detected approaching international maritime routes.

CENTCOM reports multiple strikes

CENTCOM stated that the two Iranian drones were intercepted after being identified as threats to commercial shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz.

It also said US forces had earlier struck additional Iranian drones and coastal surveillance radar installations in the region.

The developments come amid intensified military exchanges between both sides, raising fears of broader regional instability affecting Gulf security and global oil supply chains.

Iran responds with missile attacks

Iran responded by launching missiles toward US-aligned Gulf states, including Bahrain and Kuwait, in what it described as retaliation for earlier American strikes.

CENTCOM said seven ballistic missiles were fired, with six intercepted and one falling short. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, however, claimed responsibility for targeting what it called “enemy bases in the area.”

Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet, condemned the attacks as “blatant aggression,” while Kuwait described them as a “dangerous escalation.”

Explosions were reported in parts of Manama and near Kuwait’s international airport during the exchange, according to eyewitness accounts.

Rising diplomatic tensions

Iran’s foreign ministry accused the United States of “flagrant violations” and condemned Washington’s “provocative behaviour,” warning that continued strikes could further destabilise the region.

Efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire have reportedly stalled, with both sides exchanging blame for the breakdown in negotiations.

Meanwhile, diplomatic backchannels involving regional actors, including Pakistan, are reportedly being explored in attempts to mediate the crisis.

Wider regional fallout

The conflict has also spilled into neighbouring countries, with Lebanon reporting continued instability linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah operations and Israeli military responses.

Lebanon’s army confirmed casualties following recent strikes, while Israel said it was reviewing incidents involving its forces.

The prolonged conflict has triggered concern over global market stability, particularly oil prices, as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes.

Sports and visa tensions add pressure

Separately, tensions also emerged over visa restrictions affecting members of Iran’s World Cup delegation, with several officials reportedly denied entry into the United States.

Iran criticised the move as “political interference in sport,” while US officials defended their security vetting process.

The dispute has added another layer of friction to already strained diplomatic relations between both countries.