US, Iran trade new attacks amid talks: Here’s what we know

Despite a ceasefire in effect since April 8, the United States and Iran have engaged in a new exchange of attacks. The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated it struck Iranian radar and drone sites over the weekend in response to Iran shooting down a US drone. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted a US airbase used for an attack on a telecommunications tower. Additionally, Iran has reportedly struck bases of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman asserted the country's right to retaliatory strikes on regional bases used for attacks against it. These exchanges occur as diplomatic efforts for a peace agreement continue.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated on Monday that it targeted a US base in response to US strikes on Iranian military sites over the weekend. The US military's Central Command (Centcom) reported striking Iranian air defenses, a control station, and drones after Iran shot down a US MQ-1 drone over international waters. Missile and drone attacks were also reported in Kuwait, home to a US base. These exchanges occur amid ongoing negotiations to end a three-month war, which has significantly impacted global energy prices due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran denies such intentions and seeks the lifting of sanctions.

The United States bombed Iranian radar and drone control sites in Iran after Tehran shot down a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone over international waters. Iran acknowledged launching a retaliatory strike, and Kuwait reported intercepting incoming drone and missile fire. These actions reflect the ongoing fragility of a ceasefire in the Iran war, despite ongoing negotiations. The U.S. military stated its strikes were a response to aggressive Iranian actions and that no American troops were harmed. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed U.S. forces targeted a telecommunications tower, and stated they responded with an attack, likely referring to the incident in Kuwait. The conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted "self-defense strikes" against Iran over the weekend. These strikes targeted Iranian radar and command and control sites for drones in Goruk and Qeshm Island. CENTCOM stated the actions were in response to aggressive Iranian actions, including the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone over international waters. U.S. fighter aircraft eliminated Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two attack drones that threatened regional shipping. No American service members were harmed, and CENTCOM indicated it will continue to protect U.S. assets and interests against unwarranted Iranian aggression.

The US and Iran exchanged air strikes over the weekend near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command stated it conducted "self-defense strikes" on Iranian radar and drone command and control sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island. These actions were in response to what the US described as "aggressive Iranian actions," including the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone over international waters. The US reported its strikes targeted Iranian military air defenses, a ground control station, and two drones that posed a threat to regional shipping, with no American casualties. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have targeted an air base used by US forces, stating its response would differ if US aggression continued.

The US stated it conducted strikes on Iranian military sites over the weekend. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Monday they targeted a US base. These actions represent the latest in a series of exchanges occurring amidst ongoing negotiations to end a three-month war. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) explained the strikes on Iran's Gulf coast were a reaction to "aggressive Iranian actions," specifically mentioning the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone over international waters. CENTCOM further stated that US fighter aircraft responded by neutralizing Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two attack drones that threatened regional shipping. CENTCOM affirmed its commitment to protecting US assets and interests during the current ceasefire.

President Donald Trump has reportedly requested edits to a proposed US-Iran deal aimed at ending recent fighting. According to US media, these changes specifically concern the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of highly enriched uranium. The White House has not commented on these reports. Iran's chief negotiator stated that Tehran would only agree to a deal if its rights are fully secured. The proposed framework, which has been under negotiation, includes a 60-day cessation of violence, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a plan to resume nuclear program negotiations. If diplomacy advances, the deal could also involve sanctions relief for Iran, potentially unfreezing billions in assets.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on Sunday that the United States cannot be trusted and that Iran will not accept any deal that does not fully protect its rights. This declaration follows reports that US President Donald Trump has submitted a more stringent peace proposal to Iran. These developments highlight the significant disagreements that remain between the two parties. Any modifications to the current draft could postpone an agreement aimed at formally ending the Middle East war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing negotiations have been characterized by intense rhetoric and sporadic violence.

President Donald Trump has reportedly toughened the terms of a proposed agreement aimed at ending the nearly three-month war with Iran. US officials indicate that Iran may take several days to respond to these revised terms, which were sent back for consideration. While the exact nature of the changes is unclear, reports suggest Trump wants to reinforce key points, potentially including Iran's nuclear material and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US is willing to wait for Iran's response, with hopes for a decision within the week. The war began after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated it targeted a US base in response to US aerial attacks near Bandar Abbas Airport. A US official confirmed the US shot down Iranian drones and struck a ground control station in Bandar Abbas, describing these actions as defensive and aimed at maintaining a ceasefire. Despite these exchanges, neither country has declared the ceasefire collapsed, marking the third direct military engagement since its announcement. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump rejected reports of a deal with Iran, emphasizing that no single country would control the Strait of Hormuz and threatening Oman if it did not "behave." Trump also stated he was not satisfied with a potential deal and was not discussing sanctions relief.

The US conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying vessels, which US Central Command described as defensive actions to test a seven-week ceasefire. These strikes occurred as Iranian negotiators traveled to Qatar for talks, reportedly focusing on the release of frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While the US stressed the ceasefire was not over, Iran reported four Guard troops killed in the strikes. The negotiations aim for Iran to restore commercial shipping through the strait, with nuclear program discussions to follow. President Trump indicated a potential concession on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but warned of further attacks if a deal isn't reached.

The US military conducted strikes on a military site in Bandar Abbas, Iran, and shot down four Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) stated the strikes targeted an Iranian ground control station preparing to launch a fifth drone. These actions occurred amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations to end a conflict impacting the Strait of Hormuz and global energy prices. Centcom described the strikes as defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire. President Trump commented that Iran is "negotiating on fumes" and that his war strategy would not be affected by upcoming elections.

US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran, aimed at ending months of war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is largely negotiated. The proposed memorandum of understanding involves multiple regional countries and would formally end the US-Israel war on Iran. While Trump expressed optimism, Iranian officials confirmed ongoing negotiations but highlighted significant disagreements, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and regional conflicts. Iran's priority is ending the war and halting US attacks. The draft agreement reportedly includes Iran's commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons and potentially surrendering enriched uranium, with details to be negotiated later.

Despite US bombings of Iranian targets, Iran remains engaged in peace talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attacks, which targeted missile launchers and mine-laying efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, as a violation of the ceasefire but announced no specific reprisals. The US action killed four Iranian soldiers. Negotiations are focused on unlocking over $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and securing sanctions relief for Iran's oil exports. A separate agreement aims to lift the blockade of Iranian oil ports and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Hardliners in both countries are pressuring negotiators, but Iran's chief negotiator is reportedly focused on the frozen assets as the last major dispute.

US media reports suggest a potential deal with Iran could be finalized on Monday, involving a 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, however, is not a final settlement and defers complex issues like sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear ambitions to later negotiations. Communication difficulties with Iran's supreme leader, reportedly injured in an earlier strike, have slowed talks. The reported deal has divided Republicans, with some criticizing it as too lenient. President Trump, however, stated he would not listen to critics and would make a "good and proper" deal, reiterating that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sent oil prices soaring.

US President Donald Trump met with his advisers in the White House Situation Room to make a "final determination" on an agreement with Iran. This meeting follows confirmation from US officials that a framework for a deal, a memorandum of understanding, has been agreed upon by both nations, pending approval from their respective leaderships. The reported deal would extend a ceasefire for 60 days and initiate talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. Trump stated that Iran must agree to never possess nuclear weapons, reopen the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted shipping, and destroy any mines in the waterway. He also indicated a willingness to lift the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and for Iran to allow the removal and destruction of its enriched uranium.

The US military conducted new strikes inside Iran overnight, targeting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas. This action occurred as four Iranian one-way attack drones, posing a threat near the Strait of Hormuz, were shot down. According to a US official, the struck site was preparing to launch a fifth drone. These strikes took place amidst ongoing negotiations aimed at ending a three-month war that began on February 28th with US and Israeli attacks. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and significantly increased global energy prices.

US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines. US Central Command stated these actions were taken to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The attacks occurred as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks aimed at ending a war. No further details about the strikes were provided by US Central Command.

US President Donald Trump announced that a Memorandum of Understanding for ceasefire talks to end the US-Israel war with Iran has been largely negotiated. The agreement, which is still subject to finalization by negotiators and other countries, reportedly includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump made this statement following calls with leaders from several Middle Eastern nations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development comes after a week of fluctuating rhetoric from Trump, who had previously threatened escalation but also indicated a deal was close. The announcement coincided with the conclusion of a visit by Pakistan's army chief to Iran, where "encouraging progress" was reported towards a final understanding.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated," potentially ending a war initiated by the US and Israel in February. The agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, is subject to finalization and will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows calls Trump made with Pakistani mediators, Gulf allies, and Israel. A Pakistani source indicated that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the US aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait. Regional officials suggest the potential deal involves a formal declaration of war's end, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Trump indicated that final aspects and details are still being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Officials report that Iran and the United States are nearing a deal to end the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Pakistan leading mediation efforts. Significant progress has been made in talks, though last-minute disputes remain a possibility. The potential agreement includes an official declaration of the war's end, followed by two months of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Key provisions also involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress, while Iran described the draft as a "framework agreement" for further discussions. Both nations have emphasized their core positions and warned against resuming hostilities.

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing the US flag superimposed over a map of Iran, with the caption "United States of the Middle East?". This occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, amidst ongoing "delicate diplomacy" and indications of progress in talks between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire. Experts noted the post's potential to disrupt negotiations, contrasting with previous statements from the Trump administration about not seeking occupation or outright regime change in Iran. Simultaneously, US and Iranian officials suggested a new deal was nearing finalization, with both sides indicating converging opinions on a memorandum of understanding. The article also mentions Trump's previous threats and subsequent pauses in fighting, as well as his broader foreign policy efforts to increase US influence abroad.

Iran hosted a Pakistani delegation, including Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, in Tehran on Saturday amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed US strikes. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran would not compromise on its "legitimate rights" and warned of a more severe response if the US resumes hostilities. The US was reportedly considering fresh strikes, while Iran indicated it was in the "final stage" of drafting a deal framework. Pakistan has been mediating talks, focusing on a 14-point peace proposal and messages between the parties. Mediators believe they are close to extending a 60-day ceasefire and establishing a framework for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported "slight progress" in talks with Iran, amid ongoing uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached or war will resume. This comes after President Trump stated he was holding off on military strikes due to "serious negotiations." Rubio's comments preceded a NATO foreign ministers meeting where the alliance might discuss policing the Strait of Hormuz post-war. Despite claims of progress, a deal has not materialized, and Trump has a history of shifting deadlines and actions. Tensions have surfaced between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively involved in de-escalation efforts, with its interior minister visiting Tehran twice. Major sticking points persist, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also reportedly conducted separate attacks on Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Iran has announced an expansion of its claimed military control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map asserting "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. This expanded claim extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" stated that all transit through the strait requires its coordination and authorization. The UAE has rejected these claims, calling them "fragments of dreams" and asserting its maritime sovereignty. The US and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iran's attempts to control the strait, with the US advising ships not to comply with Iran's regulations. Iran has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees safe passage.