U.S. down multiple Iranian drones over Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, a military action that occurred amid heightened diplomatic efforts to finalize a peace deal to end the broader Middle East conflict.

U.S. Central Command stated that Iran had launched the drones in an attempt to strike commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The command confirmed that all drones were intercepted in recent hours and that maritime traffic continues unimpeded. The strait, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas shipments.

The incident took place during a period of fragile truce and intensive negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Pakistan. Officials from both sides had indicated in recent days that an agreement was closer than ever. Following the drone interceptions, a senior U.S. official expressed increased optimism, stating the likelihood of signing an agreement had risen to between 80 and 85 percent, though it was not yet certain.

The proposed deal, referred to as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, has been the subject of...