The US-Iranian confrontation continues to cast a shadow over the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington announcing the thwarting of an attack that it said was targeting commercial ships, in the latest episode of escalation that threatens the security of navigation in one of the most important sea lanes in the world.
A US official told ABC News that US military aircraft were able to shoot down an Iranian cruise missile and a drone that were on their way to target commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The official explained that the interception operation came within the framework of the efforts of the US forces to protect maritime traffic in one of the most important global waterways, without revealing the type of aircraft that carried out the operation or the specific location of the interception.
On February 28, US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” against Iran, accompanied by joint American and Israeli strikes targeting military and government sites and infrastructure.
American and Iranian delegations entered into negotiations last month with the aim of reaching an agreement to end the war, based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties.
Despite the signing of the memorandum and the continuation of peace talks, the United States and Iran continued to carry out limited and mutual strikes, an indication of continued tension between the two sides.
The US Central Command had previously confirmed that its forces were stationed and ready to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait, stressing its commitment to protecting passing ships, while Iran asserts that its measures are linked to security and sovereign considerations.
