US Intercepts Iranian Drones in Strait of Hormuz as Both Countries Insist Peace deal Closer

Washington/Tehran: The United States said its military intercepted several Iranian drones aimed at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, in an incident that unfolded even as both Washington and Tehran indicated that negotiations to end the broader West Asian conflict were nearing a breakthrough.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that Iranian forces launched multiple one-way attack drones toward shipping traffic moving through the strategic waterway. According to the US military, all aerial threats were neutralised and maritime movement continued without disruption.

The development came amid renewed diplomatic engagement following weeks of difficult negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan. Although a ceasefire announced in April reduced large-scale hostilities, intermittent clashes and public disagreements have continued to test the process.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier today that progress had been made and described the Islamabad framework for negotiations as being closer than ever to completion. However, he cautioned that a final agreement had not yet been secured and said certainty would only come once all unresolved matters were settled.

Iranian officials indicated that discussions include ending the US naval restrictions affecting Iranian ports and revisiting arrangements related to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi also maintained that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile should remain inside the country under modified conditions.

US President Donald Trump questioned Iran's negotiating approach and accused Tehran of presenting terms differently in public. Despite this, senior American officials expressed confidence that a formal agreement could be reached within days, though they stopped short of guaranteeing success.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said negotiators had prepared a final text and suggested that peace efforts had reached their most promising stage so far. Switzerland also indicated readiness to host a signing ceremony if both sides agreed.

Major differences remain, particularly over Iran's nuclear program, the future of uranium enrichment and whether economic relief, including access to frozen Iranian assets, will form part of the final settlement.