The United States reported that it carried out strikes on Iranian military installations over the weekend, marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

According to US Central Command, the strikes were in response to Iranian actions, including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.

The US military stated that its fighter aircraft destroyed Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that were considered a threat to maritime traffic in the region.

In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had targeted a US air base used for operations against southern Iran, although it did not specify the exact location.

Meanwhile, reports from Kuwait indicated that air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, with sirens sounding across the country amid heightened alert conditions.These exchanges are part of a broader pattern of sporadic clashes that have continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached in early April.Both sides have periodically accused each other of violations while negotiations for a more stable and lasting agreement remain stalled.

The conflict, which escalated significantly after the war began on 28 February, has resulted in significant casualties and has contributed to rising global energy prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.US President Donald Trump has emphasised preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.At the same time, diplomatic discussions continue over sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, and broader regional security issues.The situation is further complicated by parallel tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, adding to the regional instability.