US forces have shot down multiple Iranian offensive drones flying towards the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington and Tehran suggest a peace deal is close, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports.
"Iran launched multiple one-way offensive drones in an attempt to attack commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," the United States Central Command (US) - CENTCOM said today.
"US forces have shot them all down in the last few hours while traffic through the strait continues unhindered. The international trade corridor remains open for transit," the statement added.
Earlier, Iranian state media reported that explosions were heard near the port of Sirik and on the island of Qeshm, but said the cause of the explosions was unknown. Some reports said the blasts were likely warning shots fired by Iranian forces at ships attempting to pass through the strait without permission.
This came around the time a senior US administration official said the US and Iran were "very close" to concluding a deal that would reopen a critical shipping route and dismantle Iran's uranium enrichment infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a deal with the US to end the conflict in Iran is close and includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He told Iranian television that the agreement also includes the lifting of the US blockade of Iran, but that talks on Iran's nuclear program would begin later.
The BBC reports that US officials have confirmed some of the details of the agreement.
According to them, economic benefits for Iran will depend on whether Tehran fulfills its obligations.
US President Donald Trump said on June 11 that a "great deal" had been reached with Iran that should end the three-month war and that he expected the deal to be signed in the coming days.
DON'T MISS IT
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
