(DPA)

The United States and Iran again exchanged attacks near the Strait of Hormuz early on Thursday despite a ceasefire and ongoing negotiations on ending the war.

The US military attacked an Iranian position from which drones were being controlled, a US official said. US forces also shot down four drones that posed a threat to the US, the official said, adding that the targeted position in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas had been preparing to launch a fifth drone.

“These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire,” the official said.

Iranian media had earlier reported sounds of explosions near Bandar Abbas.

A ceasefire has been in place since April 8. However, there have been several exchanges of attacks around the Strait of Hormuz since then.

The Gulf state of Kuwait reported coming under missile and drone fire.

“The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces confirms that any explosions that may be heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets,” the military said in a statement published on X.