U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces operating in the Middle East intercepted the drones before they could threaten maritime traffic moving through one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors.

“Earlier today, U.S. 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 in a statement posted on X, adding that U.S. forces remained prepared to defend against what it described as Iranian aggression.

The incident followed another military exchange less than 24 hours earlier. CENTCOM said on Friday that American forces had shot down four Iranian attack drones launched toward the strait before conducting retaliatory strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites.

The latest actions underscore the growing risk to commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with global energy markets. Any disruption to shipping in the narrow waterway has the potential to affect international trade flows and energy supplies.

Saturday’s drone interceptions came amid a broader deterioration in regional security conditions. Earlier in the day, Iran launched missiles toward Bahrain and Kuwait, according to reports cited by regional officials, expanding the geographical scope of hostilities and drawing renewed concern from Gulf states.

The exchanges represent the latest chapter in an escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, even as both sides continue indirect diplomatic contacts aimed at exploring possible pathways toward ending the confrontation.

The juxtaposition of military operations and ongoing negotiations highlights the complexity of the current crisis, with diplomatic engagement proceeding alongside repeated battlefield escalations.

Neither Tehran nor Washington has indicated any immediate willingness to scale back military activities, raising concerns among regional governments and international shipping operators that further incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz could increase tensions and heighten risks to maritime security.

The latest drone interceptions reinforce the central role of the waterway in the broader U.S.-Iran confrontation, as both sides continue to test each other’s military capabilities while seeking leverage in parallel diplomatic discussions.

Kuwait said one person was killed and several others were injured after Iranian attacks struck civilian and vital infrastructure, including Kuwait International Airport. The foreign ministry said the assault caused damage to key facilities and diplomatic missions, while air traffic was temporarily suspended before operations resumed later from Terminal 4 following safety assessments.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, an airbase and military helicopters in a Gulf state, describing the operation as retaliation for what it called a U.S. strike on a communications tower south of Qeshm Island.

The U.S. military rejected Iran’s account, saying its forces intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones launched toward Kuwait and Bahrain before conducting strikes on Qeshm Island. U.S. Central Command said no Iranian projectiles reached their intended targets.

Iranian media reported explosions near Qeshm Island, located close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran also accused U.S. forces of striking an Iranian tanker near the waterway. The IRGC said it subsequently targeted a vessel identified as Panaya with missiles.

The renewed hostilities followed reports from Iranian media that communication with international mediators over extending a ceasefire framework had stalled. However, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions that talks had ceased, saying discussions with Tehran had continued in recent days.

Trump also reiterated that negotiations remained active and urged Iran to reach an agreement, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that any sanctions relief would depend on Tehran abandoning its nuclear activities.The confrontation comes amid a broader regional conflict that began in late February following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Although Washington and Tehran announced a tentative framework last week aimed at ending the war, no final agreement has been reached.The conflict has increasingly intersected with fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.

Iranian officials have linked any lasting truce to a reduction in hostilities in Lebanon, while the United States and Israel maintain the two issues are separate.Iran continues to seek sanctions relief, access to frozen oil revenues and eased restrictions affecting its energy exports, while Washington says preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains its primary objective.

The latest military exchanges have further heightened concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor that previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, with disruptions continuing to affect shipping, trade and humanitarian supply chains across multiple regions.

Tasnim said Iran and its regional allies were considering activating additional fronts, including the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, to pressure Israel and its supporters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said any violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon would have consequences, holding the United States and Israel responsible.

The report said Tehran would not resume talks until Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon cease and Israeli forces withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States possesses sufficient military capabilities and munitions stockpiles to restart operations if required, while emphasizing that the administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic settlement.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary ,we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that US military inventories are adequately positioned both in the region and globally.The remarks come as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to overcome key differences that have stalled a broader agreement aimed at extending an early-April ceasefire and establishing a permanent framework to end hostilities.

Hegseth said President Donald Trump remains committed to securing what he described as a strong agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump said on Friday he would convene advisers in a secure White House facility to make a final decision on a proposal that would extend the current truce by an additional 60 days.

The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy markets through the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Despite the Middle East conflict, Hegseth rejected suggestions that Washington’s strategic focus had shifted away from the Indo-Pacific. He said the United States is expanding its defense-industrial capacity to increase weapons production and maintain readiness across multiple theaters simultaneously.

At the same forum, Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase defense spending in response to China’s growing military capabilities, describing Beijing’s military expansion as a source of concern for regional security.

He argued that a stronger network of capable regional partners is necessary to preserve the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and deter potential aggression. Hegseth warned that dominance by any single power would undermine regional stability and prosperity.

Echoing a longstanding position of the Trump administration, Hegseth said allies should assume greater responsibility for their own defense and reduce dependence on US military support.“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” he said, adding that strong alliances require all partners to contribute meaningfully to collective security.

Hegseth cited defense contributions from countries including South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while highlighting efforts by Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and deepen cooperation with Washington.

In its monthly economic review, the ministry said the disruption of shipping and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical variable shaping India’s external sector and inflation outlook, as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global oil markets.

The report noted that recent increases in fuel prices, combined with rising upstream production costs, are likely to gradually feed into retail inflation through higher transportation, energy and food expenses.
Officials warned that a significant rainfall shortfall during the monsoon season could further intensify inflationary pressures by affecting agricultural output and food supplies. Such a scenario could also weaken rural consumption and weigh on broader economic growth.

“The near-term outlook for the Indian economy is one of cautious resilience,” the ministry said, while emphasizing the need for continued policy vigilance amid multiple external and domestic risks.
The report highlighted a combination of elevated global energy prices, depreciation of the Indian rupee, rising input costs and the possibility of below-normal rainfall as factors that could complicate inflation management in the months ahead.

India remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil, making it particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility stemming from geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could increase import costs and widen inflationary pressures across sectors.

Despite these concerns, inflation has remained relatively contained. India’s annual retail inflation rate rose marginally to 3.48% in April, remaining below the target level monitored by the Reserve Bank of India.
The assessment comes as policymakers seek to balance economic growth with price stability amid an uncertain global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility and weather-related risks to agricultural production.

The Finance Ministry publishes its economic review on a monthly basis to assess macroeconomic trends and emerging risks facing the Indian economy.

Speaking during a visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said an announcement could come within days as diplomatic efforts intensified.

“There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say,” Rubio told reporters, adding that he hoped to deliver “good news” soon.

Iranian officials also pointed to momentum in the talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said negotiators were working on a memorandum of understanding consisting of 14 clauses that could serve as the basis for a broader settlement.

“Our intention was first to draft a memorandum of understanding, a kind of framework agreement composed of 14 clauses,” Baqaei said on state television, while cautioning that a trend toward rapprochement did not guarantee agreement on all major issues.

Iranian officials stressed that disputes surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program would not form part of the initial framework, which is expected to focus on de-escalation measures and ending hostilities. Iranian negotiators have also said lifting the US naval blockade remains a key component of discussions.

The latest diplomatic push has been heavily supported by Pakistan, whose army chief, Asim Munir, concluded a two-day visit to Tehran after meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

Pakistan’s military said the meetings contributed “meaningfully” to mediation efforts and produced encouraging progress toward a final understanding.
“The discussions remained focused upon expediting the consultative process underway to support peace and stability in the region and to reach a conclusive agreement,” Pakistan’s military said in a statement following Munir’s departure.

Despite the positive signals, Iranian officials continued to warn against any return to military confrontation. Qalibaf said Iran’s armed forces had rebuilt their capabilities during the ceasefire period and would respond forcefully if hostilities resumed.

The conflict erupted after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, triggering a regional crisis that disrupted shipping and energy flows through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil exports.

Araghchi, in a conversation with Antonio Guterres, said Iran remained engaged in diplomacy despite what he described as repeated military aggression and excessive demands from Washington. He also held consultations with counterparts from Turkiye, Iraq, Qatar and Oman.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whose office said the Qatari leader supported efforts to contain the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.

Any agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the outbreak of the conflict and could ease tensions across a region that has faced months of military escalation and economic disruption.

The proposed accord, details of which were reported by the Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, outlines a series of measures aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran and reinforcing regional stability following months of heightened confrontation.

According to the reported draft, both countries would pledge to abide by international law and the United Nations Charter, underscoring a renewed focus on diplomatic engagement and adherence to established international norms.

A central element of the agreement is the phased easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. In return, Tehran would be required to fully implement the commitments contained in the accord, Al Arabiya reported.

The draft also includes guarantees for freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, waterways that are critical to global energy shipments and international trade.
Both sides would further commit to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from interference in domestic affairs, according to the reported text.

The agreement contains provisions barring attacks on military, civilian and economic infrastructure, a clause that could help reduce the risk of direct confrontation and disruptions to regional energy markets.
Details regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, a longstanding source of dispute between Tehran and Washington, were not included in the reported draft and remain unclear.

Al Arabiya did not disclose how it obtained the document. Neither U.S. nor Iranian authorities had publicly commented on the reported draft at the time of publication.

The agreement would take effect immediately upon formal announcement by both governments, according to the reported text.

The June 15-17 summit will be held in Évian-les-Bains in southeastern France, with Syrian representation expected to focus on regional trade routes, supply chains and post-war economic reconstruction, according to the sources.

One Syrian official said an invitation for Sharaa was hand-delivered earlier this week to Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh during G7-related financial meetings in Paris.

The official said Syria’s participation would likely center on the country’s potential role as a “strategic hub for supply chains” following disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Commercial shipping through the critical waterway has been severely affected since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February, contributing to volatility in global energy and transport markets.

Syria, seeking to rebuild after a 14-year civil war, has increasingly moved closer to Western governments following shifts in regional diplomacy and gradual easing of sanctions imposed during the rule of former presidents Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad.

Despite the easing of many restrictions, Syrian officials continue to face challenges attracting foreign investment, restoring banking connectivity and reviving infrastructure damaged during years of conflict.

The invitation signals a significant diplomatic development for Damascus as Western powers reassess Syria’s regional role amid broader geopolitical and economic disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

In a joint statement issued after meetings in Paris, the G7 officials said it was “imperative” to restore normal transit through the strategic waterway, which handles a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The statement was released following discussions among finance chiefs from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as tensions linked to the Middle East conflict continue to disrupt international trade and energy flows.

The ministers also emphasized the need to address widening global current account imbalances and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral coordination in responding to threats facing the world economy.

The G7 warned against arbitrary export restrictions and stressed the importance of maintaining stable and predictable energy markets at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain volatility.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints. Any disruption to traffic through the corridor can have immediate consequences for oil prices, shipping costs and inflationary pressures across major economies.

The latest G7 statement reflects growing international concern over the economic fallout from escalating regional tensions and the broader impact on global trade, energy security and financial markets.

Trump, wrapping up meetings in Beijing before returning to Washington, described ties with China as being in “a good place” and said Xi had congratulated him on recent political and diplomatic successes during their discussions.

The optimistic rhetoric contrasted with persistent tensions between the world’s two largest economies, particularly over Taiwan and the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and intensified geopolitical competition.

Chinese officials said Xi warned Trump during private talks that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push the two powers toward “clashes and even conflicts,” underscoring Beijing’s view that the self-ruled island remains its most sensitive sovereignty concern.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s policy toward Taiwan remained unchanged and cautioned Beijing against attempting to take the island by force.

“It would be a terrible mistake,” Rubio told NBC News, adding that both sides routinely reiterated their established positions during high-level engagements.
Taiwan has emerged as a growing source of friction in U.S.-China relations amid expanded American arms support for Taipei and increasing Chinese military pressure around the island.

The White House announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December, the largest approved for the island, although deliveries have yet to begin.
Trump has also pressed Taiwan to raise defense spending and expand investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, while calling for Taipei to increase purchases of American energy exports.

China has intensified its rhetoric in recent weeks, emphasizing that Taiwan lies at the “core” of its national interests. Analysts in Taiwan said Beijing’s sharper tone reflected growing concern over deepening defense cooperation between Washington and Taipei.

Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz also featured prominently in discussions between Trump and Xi, according to U.S. officials.

Trump said both leaders agreed the strategic waterway should reopen after disruptions linked to the Iran conflict sharply reduced oil shipments and fueled volatility in global energy markets. Before the conflict erupted on Feb. 28, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the strait.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Xi had privately offered assistance in resolving the conflict and expressed opposition to imposing tolls on vessels crossing Hormuz.

“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump said, adding that Xi indicated China could consider purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce reliance on Gulf supplies over time.

Beijing has criticized U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran but also faces economic risks from prolonged instability in the Gulf, given China’s dependence on imported energy and export-driven growth model.

Rubio said administration officials sought to persuade Chinese counterparts that resolving the conflict aligned with Beijing’s economic interests, warning that sustained turmoil could weaken global demand and harm Chinese exports.

Trade and investment were also central to the visit, with the White House signaling before Trump’s arrival that it expected concrete economic outcomes from the trip.

Trump said Xi had indicated China could purchase 200 Boeing aircraft from the United States, while both governments discussed increasing Chinese imports of U.S. agricultural products including soybeans and beef.
The two sides also explored expanding bilateral investment opportunities and establishing a joint trade board aimed at managing commercial disputes, according to the White House.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized stability and cooperation during meetings with senior American business executives accompanying Trump’s delegation, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Jensen Huang.

“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication,” Li said, while calling for both sides to safeguard stable bilateral ties amid global uncertainty.