TEHRAN – The United States and Iran on Monday carried out fresh military strikes against each other, escalating tensions despite ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire and advance stalled negotiations.
The US said it struck Iranian military sites over the weekend, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Monday that it had targeted a US air base in response. The latest developments come amid repeated exchanges between the two sides since fighting intensified earlier this year.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were conducted in response to “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.
CENTCOM stated that US fighter aircraft “swiftly responded” by destroying Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones it said posed threats to vessels in regional waters. It added that US forces would continue to protect American assets and interests during the ongoing ceasefire period.
In retaliation, the IRGC said it had struck an air base used by US forces in southern Iran, though it did not disclose the exact location of the installation.
Tensions further escalated in the Gulf region as air defence systems in Kuwait—home to a major US military base—intercepted missiles and drones, according to the state news agency KUNA. Sirens were reported across the country, although authorities did not provide further operational details.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry later said it held Iran “fully responsible for these heinous attacks,” reflecting growing regional concern over the widening conflict.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump said Iran was interested in reaching a deal with the United States. Posting on Truth Social, he said any agreement would be beneficial for Washington and its allies, but added that political commentary was complicating diplomatic efforts.
“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA and those that are with us,” Trump wrote, adding that conflicting political pressure made negotiations more difficult.
The US and Iran have continued sporadic exchanges of strikes since a ceasefire was announced in early April, while diplomatic talks aimed at a broader settlement remain inconclusive. A similar round of attacks took place last week, with both sides issuing comparable statements.
The broader conflict, which escalated after a US-Israeli military campaign earlier this year, has resulted in heavy casualties in Iran and Lebanon and contributed to volatility in global energy markets, particularly after disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington says its main objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Tehran continues to deny any such intention.
Meanwhile, political pressure is increasing in the United States over rising fuel prices ahead of congressional elections, with the administration seeking both market stability and diplomatic progress with Tehran.
Key sticking points remain unresolved, including Iran’s demand for lifting sanctions and the release of frozen oil revenues held abroad.
Regional tensions are also linked to the ongoing war in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered expanded military operations deeper into Lebanese territory.
Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Netanyahu on diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon. A US official said Washington has proposed a plan aimed at a gradual de-escalation of tensions.
