Iran-US tensions ease as drones intercepted near Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN – US forces intercepted several Iranian one-way attack drones reportedly heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, the international media reported while citing source familiar with the situation on Saturday. The drones were said to pose a risk to commercial shipping. US Central Command later confirmed the interceptions and stated that maritime traffic through the waterway remained unaffected. At the same time, Iranian media reported explosions near Sirik port and Qeshm Island, with local accounts attributing the sounds to Iranian military warning fire aimed at vessels allegedly attempting to cross without authorization from the Revolutionary Guard’s naval units. According to multiple sources involved in the discussions, the proposed understanding includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval restrictions around Iranian ports. Broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme—initially cited by US President Donald Trump as a key reason for the conflict—would follow at a later stage. Earlier in the day, the United States and Iran indicated that a framework to conclude their ongoing conflict is close to completion, with a senior US administration official stating that both sides have already agreed on a draft text and Washington could move toward signing an initial accord within days. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the document could still be adjusted, but described the evolving understanding as a positive outcome for Tehran, claiming it had gained strength during the hostilities. In a televised statement, he went further, declaring that Iran had “come out on top” in the confrontation with the United States. A senior US official, speaking anonymously, said the emerging agreement aligns with Washington’s main objectives and places the talks “in a very strong position.” However, different accounts from Western, Pakistani, and Iranian sources suggest the draft may lean more in Iran’s favour, a claim that drew criticism from Trump, wh