The United States and Iran exchanged fire over the weekend, with the US conducting what it called “self-defence” strikes inside Iran as President Donald Trump sought changes to a proposed agreement aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
US Strikes Target Iranian Radar Systems
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iranian radar systems and command-and-control sites. The action was in response to what the US described as aggressive Iranian moves, including the alleged downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.
“US fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defences, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
Iranian Retaliation Claims
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched strikes against a US air base allegedly used in attacks on a telecommunications tower on Sirik Island. Iranian state media did not specify which base was targeted. The announcement came shortly after Kuwait reported intercepting drone and missile attacks.
Despite a ceasefire established in early April, the US and Iran have repeatedly exchanged fire in recent weeks. Similar incidents last week saw Kuwait report missile and drone activity linked to Iran, raising concerns about regional stability even as the ceasefire remains in place.
Negotiations and Trump’s Revisions
At the centre of ongoing negotiations is a memorandum of understanding designed to formally end hostilities and create a pathway for broader talks on unresolved issues. Trump reportedly requested several revisions to the proposed agreement after consulting with advisers on Friday, extending negotiations further.
“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after confirmation of the latest strikes.
While the exact changes remain unclear, officials said Trump wants stronger commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and guarantees surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. US allies in the Gulf region have reportedly been briefed on the discussions. One foreign official familiar with the matter suggested the changes are aimed at securing stronger assurances rather than altering the framework itself.
Trump has also expressed concern over possible financial relief for Iran, wary of comparisons to previous agreements he has criticized. Although Trump previously described the agreement as “largely finalized,” no final decision emerged after Friday’s White House discussions.
Iran’s Stance
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would not approve any agreement until its rights are fully protected. “The soldiers of the diplomatic battlefield have no trust in the words and promises of the enemy. What matters to us is tangible achievements that we must obtain, in exchange for which we will fulfil our commitments,” he said.
Regional Incidents and Energy Markets
Sources revealed that an Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted last week near Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, causing minor injuries due to falling debris. US lawmakers have also questioned how practical parts of the proposed agreement may be, particularly regarding securing the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s regional capabilities.
The continued tensions have placed additional pressure on global energy markets. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the United States still has significant oil reserves available to help stabilise prices. “There’s plenty of runway. There’s a lot of pressure on Iran to finally agree to the president’s terms,” he said.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve reportedly declined by another 9.1 million barrels between May 15 and May 22, while average US gasoline prices stood at $4.34 per gallon on Sunday. Analysts say oil supply chains may require up to two months to normalise if an agreement is reached and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz are lifted. Rising energy costs have continued to influence public sentiment about the economy, with recent polling showing many Americans remain concerned about inflation and household finances.
