Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jun 7: The United States military announced that it had intercepted and destroyed two Iranian drones after they were deemed a threat to international maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, further intensifying tensions between Washington and Tehran.
In a statement posted on social media, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces operating in the Middle East took action after detecting the drones near one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
“Earlier today, US forces in the Middle East shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones that threatened international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said.
The latest incident follows a series of confrontations in the region. On Friday, CENTCOM reported that US forces had intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles and drones allegedly launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring Gulf states. Iranian authorities have not yet publicly responded to the latest US claims.
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened friction between the United States and Iran, despite ongoing indirect diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and addressing broader security concerns.
Earlier this week, the US military disclosed that it had shot down four Iranian attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. According to CENTCOM, the drones posed an immediate threat to commercial shipping and regional maritime security.
Following that interception, US forces reportedly carried out precision strikes on Iranian coastal surveillance infrastructure, targeting radar installations located in Goruk and on Qeshm Island along Iran’s southern coastline.
CENTCOM stated that the operation was intended to prevent further threats to maritime navigation and safeguard freedom of movement through the critical waterway, which serves as a major route for global energy supplies.
The US military has not released details regarding casualties, the extent of damage caused by the strikes, or the specific weapons systems used during the operation. Officials also did not indicate whether any commercial vessels were directly targeted by the drones before they were intercepted.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important maritime corridors in the world, and any escalation in the region is closely watched by international markets and governments due to its potential impact on global trade and energy security.