US and Iran clash near Hormuz even as both tout talks progress
US and Iranian forces engaged in clashes near the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing peace talks for a ceasefire extension. Both sides claimed their actions were defensive, highlighting the complexities of the negotiations. President Trump faces pressure from US hawks for military action while trying to manage public sentiment against the war and rising energy prices.
- ▪Clashes occurred on May 25, despite claims of progress in US-Iran negotiations.
- ▪The US military conducted strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile-launch sites and boats.
- ▪Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have shot down a US drone and fired at an F-35 fighter jet.
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US and Iran clash near Hormuz even as both tout talks progressSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA pedestrian walks next to an anti-US mural depicting Iran and US negotiations, near the former US embassy in Tehran. PHOTO: EPAPublished May 26, 2026, 06:11 PMUpdated May 26, 2026, 06:11 PMSummariseUS and Iranian forces clashed near the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing peace talks for a ceasefire extension, highlighting regional tensions. Both sides claimed defensive actions.Ongoing US-Iran negotiations face major obstacles including unfreezing funds, Strait of Hormuz passage, Iran's uranium stocks, and Lebanon ceasefire terms.President Trump balances pressure from US hawks for more strikes against public war fatigue and rising global energy prices.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.