What’s happening on day 96 of Iran war as US, Iran engage in new attacks

On day 96 of the US-Iran war, both sides reported new attacks across the Gulf region. The United States military stated it conducted "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, while Iranian media reported explosions there. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted US military assets in response to US strikes, including an airbase and the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Kuwait reported intercepting drones and missiles, and Bahrain activated warning sirens. The conflict's escalation occurs amidst ongoing, complicated diplomatic efforts, with Iran's leadership not ruling out a deal but facing deep mistrust and hardened positions from both sides.

On Wednesday, the US military reported that Iranian missile attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and other regional locations were unsuccessful or intercepted. According to US Central Command, two missiles aimed at Kuwait either fell short or broke apart, several ballistic missiles failed to reach their targets, and three missiles heading for Bahrain were intercepted. These incidents occurred as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have shown minimal progress. Since late February, Iran has consistently targeted locations in Bahrain and Kuwait, which host US military bases.

US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable the engine room of the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie on Tuesday as it attempted to reach Iran through international waters near Kharg Island. This action occurred amid an ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz and stalled ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The US military's Central Command stated the tanker ignored repeated warnings over 24 hours before its engine room was disabled. This is the sixth ship disabled by US forces since their blockade of Iran began on April 13th. The incident coincides with Kuwait reporting missile and drone attacks and a lack of political progress in resolving the Middle East crisis, despite US claims of a potential deal with Tehran.

US forces conducted "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after Iranian missiles and drones targeted civilian vessels, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Kuwait's military reported intercepting incoming threats, while Bahrain activated warning sirens. These events occurred on June 3, 2026. Earlier, Iranian media reported explosions near Qeshm Island. Separately, US President Donald Trump reportedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over Israel's threat to strike Beirut suburbs.

On day 94 of the war on Iran, the United States military announced it conducted "self-defense strikes" on Iranian radar and drone sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated it targeted a US base in response. These exchanges occur as negotiations to end the conflict continue, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirming ongoing message exchanges with the US regarding a deal. US President Donald Trump expressed that Iran is eager for an agreement. Meanwhile, Iran has restored gas production at three offshore platforms in the South Pars gasfield, which were previously attacked. In a separate development, Iran executed two men convicted for their role in antigovernment protests in January.

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.