U.S. Says Iran Launched Drones in Strait of Hormuz as Talks Continue

The U.S. military said early Tuesday that Iran launched several attack drones in an attempt to hit commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the military, the drones were intercepted, and they posed a threat to commercial traffic in the waterway.

Reuters later quoted sources saying American forces had shot down several Iranian drones that were heading toward the strait. The reports did not say whether any ships were damaged or whether there were any casualties.

The drone incident came as negotiations were also moving forward on another front. A Lebanese source told Al-Mayadeen that the fifth round of talks with Israel is set to open in Washington on June 22. The Lebanese delegation is expected to include military officials, reflecting an effort to reach a breakthrough on the issue of an Israel Defense Forces withdrawal.

According to the source, a gradual withdrawal would be carried out in “test areas” alongside the deployment of the Lebanese army. The first test area would reportedly be Nabatieh, after Israel refused to withdraw from Bint Jbeil, a dispute that has stalled the talks.