Fresh concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz emerged on Wednesday after Iranian drones were reportedly launched towards commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
According to reports cited by The Jerusalem Post, the drones were intercepted by the US military before they could threaten commercial traffic or American personnel operating in the region. The incident comes just days after the United States and Iran moved closer to formalising a new understanding on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
A source quoted by The Jerusalem Post said multiple drones were fired towards commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The report, citing NBC News, said the drones were launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A US official told the broadcaster that American forces are working closely with shipping companies to assist vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
US assessment flags Iran’s leverage over key waterway
Separately, CNN reported on Wednesday that US intelligence agencies have concluded Iran now possesses the capability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz if it chooses to do so.
According to sources familiar with the assessment, Tehran’s ability to disrupt traffic through the narrow maritime passage remains a major concern despite progress towards a framework agreement expected later this week.
The assessment reportedly noted that Iran has developed greater leverage following attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and previous strikes targeting US military facilities in neighbouring countries.
‘More powerful than any nuke’: US intel assessment warns of Iran’s growing Strait of Hormuz leverage
Trump hints at release of agreement text
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he intends to make public the contents of the agreement reached with Iran and suggested the full document could be released within days.
Speaking during a meeting with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump said he was waiting for a formal setting before unveiling the document.
“I’d like to get a formal setting first before we do that, but I have no problem with that. It’s a great document,” Trump said.
Offering a brief description of the agreement, the US President added: “Here’s what it says: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump electronically signed the agreement on Sunday. However, the complete text has not yet been released publicly.