Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it launched a retaliatory strike on a base used by US forces, claiming it was the origin of an attack on an Iranian communications tower. The IRGC stated, "Following the aggression of the US army on a communication tower on Sirik Island in Hormozgan Province an hour ago, the IRGC Aerospace Force fighters targeted the airbase where the aggression originated, and the predicted targets were destroyed," as cited by the semi-official Fars news agency on Monday.
Air defenses in Kuwait, where the US base is located, intercepted missiles and drones as sirens sounded across the country, according to the state news agency KUNA. Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory, stating, "The Ministry affirms that the continuation and repetition of these aggressions undermine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and threaten security and stability in the region."
The attacks follow US strikes on Iran over the weekend, which Washington said were in response to "aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters." US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that "US fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters," adding it will continue to protect US assets and interests during the ongoing ceasefire. CENTCOM said no US troops were hurt.
These exchanges are the latest in a series of firefights in recent days, occurring as indirect negotiations between the US and Iran continue to formalize a fragile ceasefire that took effect in April. Mixed signals have emerged about whether the two sides are close to an agreement to extend the truce. Reports indicate both sides are reviewing a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would extend the ceasefire for another 60 days and begin negotiations to permanently end the war.
According to US media, the MoU would stipulate that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz be "unrestricted," meaning no tolls, no "harassment," and that Iran would have 30 days to remove all sea mines. The MoU also reportedly includes a commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons. During the 60-day window after the new agreement begins, the first issue to be discussed in peace talks would be Iran's uranium enrichment program and how to dispose of its stock of highly enriched uranium.
The New York Times reported that Trump has since "toughened the terms" of the potential framework, while Axios said the president asked for "several amendments" to the preliminary agreement his envoys reached with Iran. Iranian state media reported Saturday that the proposed MoU with the US included an agreement to release $12 billion in frozen assets. The White House dismissed the report as a "fabrication."
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that any delay in the diplomatic process to end the war can be explained by a lack of trust, Washington's contradictory positions, and Israel's attacks on Lebanon. "Negotiations have started amid severe suspicion and mistrust, and the exchange of messages is taking place in this atmosphere," Baghaei said. "The other party is constantly changing its views and putting forward new or contradictory demands... it is natural that this situation will prolong negotiations," he added, stating Tehran views Israeli actions in the region, including in Lebanon, as inseparable from the US.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iran's IRNA news agency on Sunday that "dialogue and an exchange of messages are ongoing" with the US. "It is not possible to judge until a clear conclusion is reached. Everything that is being said now is speculation and should not be taken seriously until it is certain," Araghchi said amid recent speculation. US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform late Sunday that Tehran "really wants to make a deal" and that whatever deal is reached will "be a good one" for the US "and those that are with us." He lashed out at domestic critics for "negatively 'chirping'" about his handling of the war but made no mention of the US strikes on Iran. "Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end – It always does!" he said.
Source: www.aljazeera.com