WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday sharply criticized Iran following reports of drone activity threatening commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of endangering maritime traffic and warning against further attacks in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Trump’s comments came after U.S. forces intercepted and shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones that a source familiar with the matter said posed a threat to commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident marked the latest military flare-up amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
According to Reuters, Trump issued a warning to Iran earlier on Friday after the drone incident, urging Iranian leaders to “get their act together, and FAST!” The White House did not immediately provide additional details regarding the president’s remarks.
The U.S. military said it had shot down four Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently carried out strikes on Iranian radar and surveillance sites in what officials described as a defensive response. U.S. Central Command said the drones posed “an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.”
A U.S. official told Reuters that military assessments indicated the drones were targeting shipping activity in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with global markets and is used by a significant share of the world’s seaborne oil trade.
Iran has disputed U.S. accusations in previous incidents involving maritime security. Iranian officials have argued that American military actions in the region have contributed to instability and have accused Washington of violating ceasefire understandings reached earlier this year.
The latest confrontation occurred against the backdrop of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran. Trump said on Saturday that a deal with Iran could be signed on Sunday, while Iranian officials indicated that discussions were continuing and cautioned that the timing of any agreement remained uncertain.
The proposed framework under discussion includes measures aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing restrictions on maritime traffic, according to statements from U.S. and regional officials. However, details of the negotiations remain under discussion and have not been finalized.
As of Saturday, U.S. military forces continued operations to safeguard commercial shipping in the region, while diplomats from both countries pursued talks intended to prevent further escalation. No damage to commercial vessels was immediately reported in connection with the latest drone incident, according to U.S. officials.
