US intercepts Iranian missiles, drones, ceasefire breach

American and Iranian forces engaged in a series of military exchanges over the past several days, with the United States reporting it successfully intercepted numerous Iranian missiles and drones while conducting retaliatory strikes on Iranian territory. The clashes represent a significant breach of a ceasefire that has been in effect since early April, even as diplomatic talks to end a broader, three-month-old conflict continue.

According to U.S. Central Command, American and Bahraini forces intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at Bahrain, while two missiles fired toward Kuwait fell short or broke apart in flight. U.S. forces also shot down Iranian drones that were targeting civilian shipping in regional waters and American forces in Kuwait. No American personnel or assets were reported injured or damaged in these attacks.

The U.S. military stated these defensive actions followed American self-defense strikes over the weekend on Iranian targets, including a military ground control station on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Central Command said those strikes were in response to Iran shooting down an American MQ-1 drone operating over international waters and other...