A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran continues to fray as a series of military exchanges over the weekend tested its limits, even as diplomatic efforts, including a visit by a Pakistani delegation to Tehran, push forward.
Military Exchanges
On Saturday, the U.S. military conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island, Iran, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes were in response to attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC stated it had targeted the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain using missiles and drones, describing the action as retaliation for a separate U.S. attack on a communications tower south of Qeshm Island.
CENTCOM reported that Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors. All missiles failed to hit their targets, either breaking apart en route or being shot down by air defense systems. Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted hostile missiles and drones, with the Kuwaiti army’s General Staff stating that any explosions heard were caused by interceptions.
Tanker Incident
The U.S. military also reported firing a Hellfire missile at a tanker heading toward Iran, disabling the Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie. CENTCOM stated that the missile impacted the engine room after the ship's crew ignored repeated warnings over a 24-hour period. The statement did not mention casualties.
In response, Iranian media reported that the IRGC navy targeted a vessel it identified as Panaya with missiles. The IRGC stated that disrupting the security of the Strait of Hormuz would carry a heavy price for the U.S. military.
Diplomatic Context and Casualties
The military exchanges occur against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since early April. A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson stated the ceasefire is "not over." Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine reported that Iran has attacked U.S. forces more than 10 times since the ceasefire was announced, but described these incidents as "below the threshold of restarting major combat operations."
Pakistan is continuing its role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Saturday to facilitate peace talks. The visit follows a virtual meeting of more than 40 countries focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated it is still reviewing a U.S. peace proposal and has not yet responded.
A strike on Kuwait International Airport over the weekend resulted in at least one death and over 60 injuries. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a "dangerous escalation."
Background
Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran on February 28, Iran’s forces have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military reports disabling six ships during a blockade of Iranian ports and redirecting 122 vessels since April 13.