Washington: American forces intercepted and shot down four drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, "Moments ago, CENTCOM forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM wrote on US social media company X. The attack drones were deemed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic. To counter further aggression, CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.

In a statement, CENTCOM emphasized the readiness of American forces to respond to any unjustified Iranian aggression in self-defense. The situation escalated as Iran later fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain. CENTCOM's initial assessments indicate that six of these missiles were intercepted, while the seventh did not reach its intended target, with no reports of harm to US personnel.

The US military has dismissed Iranian claims of damaging the US 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, countering the IRGC's assertion of hitting "enemy bases" in the region. CENTCOM reiterated the vigilance and preparedness of its forces to respond to any unwarranted Iranian aggression.

Regional tensions have been on the rise following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February, which triggered a cycle of retaliatory attacks and heightened instability across the region. In the aftermath, Iran launched strikes against Israel and targeted countries hosting US military bases, while also disrupting shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.

Though a ceasefire took effect later, diplomatic efforts to secure a broader agreement have continued, highlighting the ongoing complexities and challenges in achieving regional stability.