The Middle East remains on edge after the U.S. launched new defensive strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping lanes
American officials say U.S. forces intercepted four Iranian drones and destroyed a launch site before another drone could take off.
Hours later, U.S. Central Command says Iran launched a ballistic missile against Kuwait.
"At 10:17 p.m. ET on May 27, Iran launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait that was successfully intercepted by Kuwaiti forces. This egregious ceasefire violation by the Iranian regime occurred hours after Iranian forces launched five one-way attack drones that posed a clear threat in and near the Strait of Hormuz. All drones were successfully intercepted by U.S. forces which also prevented a sixth drone launch from an Iranian ground control site in Bandar Abbas," CENTCOM wrote in a statement.
"U.S. Central Command and regional partners remain vigilant and measured as we continue to defend our forces and interests from unjustified Iranian aggression," the statement added.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says diplomacy is still on the table, though Iranian leaders continue signaling distrust toward the negotiations. Iran says it will not give up uranium enrichment or its influence over the strategic waterway.
At the same time, the Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting a newly created Iranian shipping authority connected to the Strait. The growing tensions pushed oil prices higher as markets reacted to fears of additional military escalation.
Officials say the military buildup in the region is also expanding. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group continues operating nearby while U.S. forces maintain daily flight operations across the Middle East.
Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump’s approach toward Iran, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military is ready to “finish the job” if talks fail. Defense analysts now warn some American missile systems used during the Iran conflict may take years to fully replace.
