The US has reportedly been helping commercial vessels cross the Strait of Hormuz. (File Photo, enhanced using AI)The US on Monday said it conducted “self-defence” strikes on radar and command sites in Iran over the weekend in response to “aggressive Iranian actions”. The development comes as negotiations to extend the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran reach their last leg, pending US President Donald Trump’s approval.US Central Command (Centcom) said that Iran shot down an MQ-1 drone over international waters, and it retaliated with strikes on Goruk near the Iranian coast and Qeshm Island, territories along the Strait of Hormuz.“The measured and deliberate strikes occurred on Saturday and Sunday in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters. U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters,” Centcom wrote on X.“No American service members were harmed. CENTCOM will continue to protect U.S. assets and interests in response to unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire,” it added.According to a New York Times report, the US has been quietly escorting commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the maritime route through which a quarter of global energy supplies pass during peacetime.Quoting an official, the agency reported that in the last three weeks, the US helped around 70 commercial ships pass through safely. The vessels had reportedly turned off their transponders to avoid detection.In an interview on Fox News, Trump said that both countries were close to a “very good deal”, but did not rule out military action if the negotiations fail. The US President said that Iran had agreed not to build nuclear weapons capability, the key sticking point in the latest rounds of discussions.Story continues below this adExchanges have continued in recent days. Earlier in the day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted an air base used in what it called a US attack on a telecom tower on Sirik Island, but did not disclose the location of the installation.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:Iran-Israel WarStrait of Hormuz