Iran targets US air base in response to attack on military sites amid fragile ceasefire, talks

TEHRAN – The United States and Iran on Monday carried out fresh military strikes against each other, escalating tensions despite ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire and advance stalled negotiations. The US said it struck Iranian military sites over the weekend, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Monday that it had targeted a US air base in response. The latest developments come amid repeated exchanges between the two sides since fighting intensified earlier this year. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were conducted in response to “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters. CENTCOM stated that US fighter aircraft “swiftly responded” by destroying Iranian air defence systems, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones it said posed threats to vessels in regional waters. It added that US forces would continue to protect American assets and interests during the ongoing ceasefire period. In retaliation, the IRGC said it had struck an air base used by US forces in southern Iran, though it did not disclose the exact location of the installation. Tensions further escalated in the Gulf region as air defence systems in Kuwait—home to a major US military base—intercepted missiles and drones, according to the state news agency KUNA. Sirens were reported across the country, although authorities did not provide further operational details. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry later said it held Iran “fully responsible for these heinous attacks,” reflecting growing regional concern over the widening conflict. In Washington, US President Donald Trump said Iran was interested in reaching a deal with the United States. Posting on Truth Social, he said any agreement would be beneficial for Washington and its allies, but added that political commentary was complicating diplomatic efforts. “Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA