US and Iran Exchange Military Strikes Amid Peace Talks

The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes over the weekend of May 30-31, 2026, escalating tensions during a nominal ceasefire. The conflict began after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone over international waters in the Persian Gulf. In response, United States Central Command conducted self-defense strikes against Iranian radar, drone command-and-control facilities, and air defenses in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, as well as a communications tower on Sirik Island.

Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at a U.S. air base in Kuwait. Kuwaiti armed forces intercepted the projectiles, and the Government of Kuwait condemned the strikes as a breach of international law. The attacks resulted in minor injuries to four U.S. service members and three contractors, all of whom returned to duty within 24 hours.

Despite the hostilities, Donald Trump urged critics to "sit back and relax," asserting that he is close to reaching a favorable deal with Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the two nations continue to exchange diplomatic messages. However, negotiations regarding Iran's uranium stockpile and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remain strained by mutual mistrust and Israeli military incursions into Lebanon. The European Union condemned Iran's attacks on Kuwait, prompting Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei to describe the EU's stance as a "masterclass in selective moral outrage."