The US military launched fresh strikes in Iran on Wednesday, shooting down four Iranian drones and attacking a control center in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, as Washington and Tehran continue talks to end their three-month conflict.Iran activated its air defense systems after explosions were heard east of the city. The latest escalation also saw firing in the Strait of Hormuz, in which Iran’s IRGC navy fired on a US tanker and the US responded with attacks near Bandar Abbas.The Trump administration also imposed new sanctions on Iran’s newly created agency trying to control shipping through the vital waterway, imposing tolls of up to $2 million per vessel.

Here’s what we know so far

attacks in bandar abbas

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that three explosions were heard east of the southern port city of Bandar Abbas around midnight, activating Iran’s air defense systems in the area for several minutes. The cause of the explosions was not immediately clear.Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the IRGC navy fired on a US tanker that tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by turning off its radar system. Tasneem also told that after this America fired in retaliation in the area around Bandar Abbas.The US military later confirmed it shot down four Iranian “unilateral attack drones” that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz and attacked an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone, a US official told AFP.

America’s response

“Today, US Central Command forces shot down four Iranian unilateral attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz,” a US official said on condition of anonymity. US forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.”The US official described the actions as “measured, entirely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire”. The attacks came just days after US forces attacked several missile sites and mine-laying boats in the same area, calling those actions “self-defense”.Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is trying to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and charging tolls that could reach $2 million per ship.“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is evidence that economic rage has left the regime desperate for cash,” Besant said in a statement.

Israel warns Lebanon to evacuate

Israel’s military issued an evacuation warning for residents of the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, saying it would take action against Iran-backed Hezbollah in the area.“The IDF is forced to take forceful action against it,” the Israeli military command said in reference to Hezbollah. It said residents in the area around some buildings should move north of the Zahrani River and that living in the area “puts you at risk.”

future of dialogue

Washington and Tehran are engaged in the most intensive diplomacy and talks in years, aimed at ending the war and finding a path to a long-term solution. President Donald Trump said Iran is “talking on smoke” and the two sides are nearing an agreement even after the US military attacked missile launch sites and boats in “self-defense”.“They want to make a deal,” Trump said at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. “So far, they’re not there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be – either that or we just have to finish the job.”Trump has said that an agreement will be reached soon, but negotiations are ongoing. The latest strikes and restrictions are likely to create further complications. The US has blocked Iranian ports for more than a month, and Trump said it would remain in full force and effect “until an agreement is reached, ratified and signed.”