Washington: The United States has reportedly carried out fresh military strikes inside Iran targeting a military site near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

According to a Reuters report citing a US official speaking on condition of anonymity, the strikes targeted an Iranian ground control facility in Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch another drone believed to pose a threat to American forces and commercial maritime traffic operating near the waterway.

The official stated that US forces also intercepted and shot down several Iranian drones that were reportedly threatening American personnel and vessels in the region.

“These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire,” the official told Reuters.

The latest military action comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes through which a major portion of global crude oil supplies passes.

Explosions reported near Bandar Abbas

The reported strikes coincided with explosions heard near the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas early Thursday.

Iranian media outlets reported that at least three explosions occurred east of the city around 1.30 am local time. Following the blasts, Iranian air defence systems were reportedly activated for several minutes in the surrounding area.

The developments have further intensified fears of renewed conflict in the region even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a broader military escalation.

Neither Iranian authorities nor the US military immediately released detailed official statements regarding the specific nature or extent of the reported operation.

Conflict continues despite ceasefire talks

The latest escalation comes against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the three-month conflict that began on February 28 following US and Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets.

The conflict has reportedly claimed thousands of lives and significantly affected global energy markets, pushing crude oil prices higher amid concerns over instability in the Gulf region.

Earlier this week, US Central Command had described separate operations in southern Iran as “self-defence strikes” targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines near the strategic maritime corridor.

Iran subsequently accused the United States of violating a nearly seven-week-old ceasefire through repeated military operations near the Strait of Hormuz.

The fragile ceasefire now appears increasingly uncertain as both sides continue exchanging accusations while diplomatic negotiations remain unresolved.

Dispute over proposed Hormuz agreement

The tensions escalated further after Iranian state television aired details of what it described as a draft understanding intended to ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian media reports, the proposed framework included provisions under which commercial shipping activity through the waterway would gradually return to normal levels within a month.

The reported proposal also allegedly suggested that the United States would reduce its military presence near Iran and ease what Tehran described as a naval blockade.

However, the White House swiftly rejected the claims and dismissed the reported memorandum as fabricated.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the White House said, “This report from Iranian controlled media is not true and the MOU they ‘released’ is a complete fabrication. Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER.”

US President Donald Trump also denied reports claiming Iran and Oman would jointly control shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz under a potential peace arrangement.

Trump reiterated that the critical maritime corridor would remain open and under international navigation norms.

Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes.

A significant percentage of the world’s oil exports pass through the narrow maritime corridor daily, making any military activity in the region a major concern for global trade and energy markets.

Repeated confrontations in and around the strait over the past few months have increased fears of disruptions to shipping activity and potential impacts on global fuel prices.

International observers continue to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran struggle to produce a formal de-escalation agreement.

Global concerns over further escalation

The latest military developments have raised concerns among global powers regarding the possibility of a wider regional conflict involving key Middle Eastern nations.

Analysts believe continued military exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz could further destabilise international energy markets and complicate ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

With ceasefire talks still underway and tensions remaining high, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether both sides move toward de-escalation or renewed confrontation.