US Strikes Iran Radar Sites After Drone Interceptions Near Hormuz

WASHINGTON, United States — The United States struck radar positions inside Iran on Friday after shooting down drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, military officials said, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it responded by firing missiles at what it called "enemy bases" in the region, targeting installations in response to what it described as a U.S. "invasion" of Sirik and Kushm islands. Central Command confirmed Iran launched seven ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain, six of which were intercepted. Weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed to produce an agreement that would end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy supplies. U.S. officials separately confirmed that Iranian footballers received visas to travel for the World Cup. Air raid sirens sounded across Kuwait and Bahrain following the exchanges, and residents reported hearing explosions. No immediate casualty figures were available. The attacks put renewed pressure on a fragile ceasefire that had been in place, as both sides exchanged fire in quick succession.