U.S. Shoots Down Multiple Iranian Drones Despite Near-Deal
The United States said it shot down several Iranian drones targeting merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning, despite both sides expressing optimism that an agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict is imminent.
The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) wrote on X: "Iran launched multiple attack drones intended to strike merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz." The command added, "All drones were shot down by U.S. forces within the past few hours, and maritime traffic in the strait remains unimpeded."
At the time of this incident, Tehran, along with mediators Pakistan and Washington, expressed optimism that a deal to end the Middle East conflict could be reached after weeks of intense negotiations.
A senior U.S. official said Friday that the likelihood of signing an agreement with Iran in the coming "few days" was between "80% to 85%", but "not 100%."
AFP reported that there were significant discrepancies between Iranian media and Washington's descriptions of the potential compromise. On Friday evening, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told national television: "Once the final phase of negotiations is completed, the agreement will be signed and made public. This could happen in the coming days. I am hopeful about it."
Araghchi also said the draft agreement stipulates lifting U.S. blockades on Iranian ports and adjusting the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1867900261174272/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.