US Shoots Down Multiple Iranian Drones Near Hormuz Strait
Trump Says US-Iran Deal Possible Within Days Despite Disputes
Day 106 of US-Iran Tensions: Drone Strikes, Deportations, and a Shifting Diplomatic Landscape
TEL AVIV / WASHINGTON – The 106th day of active hostilities between the United States and Iran unfolded on Saturday, June 13, as a volatile mix of military brinkmanship and backchannel diplomacy. While the US Navy intercepted Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz, Washington and Tehran appeared to inch toward a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU), even as both sides publicly sparred over the deal’s actual terms.
CENTCOM: Iranian Drones Targeting Commercial Ships Downed
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that Iran had launched multiple one-way attack drones in an apparent attempt to strike commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. In a post on X, CENTCOM confirmed that US forces had successfully downed all the drones in recent hours, and that maritime traffic through the strait remained unimpeded. The incident marked the latest in a series of low-level naval confrontations that have defined the 106-day conflict, stopping short of full-scale war but keeping regional shipping on edge.
Iranian Activist Deported from US to CAR
In a separate but symbolic development, Reuters reported that an Iranian pro-democracy activist had been deported from the United States to the Central African Republic (CAR). Her attorney, Emily Trostle, said the woman—along with two other Iranian nationals facing deportation—has no legal status, support network, or local ties in the CAR. Trostle warned that the trio could eventually be forced to return to the nations they originally fled, raising fresh concerns among human rights groups about US deportation practices amid heightened Iran-US tensions.
Tehran Insists on Commitments as Hormuz Statement Looms
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf struck a firm tone, declaring that commitments made during negotiations with Washington must be honored if a final agreement is to be reached. In a post on X, he asserted that “there is no alternative” to fulfilling promises exchanged during the talks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that Iran would not sign any final accord unless the terms of the proposed MoU are respected.
Speaking to Iranian state television, Araghchi also revealed that Iran and Oman are expected to issue a joint statement on the administration of the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that Tehran does not intend to impose transit tolls on vessels using the waterway, though “service-related fees” could be charged. According to Araghchi, the proposed MoU covers Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, the Hormuz issue, and even conflicts in Lebanon and other regional fronts—though no signing date has been announced.
Trump: Iran Apologized, Deal Could Come This Weekend
Former US President Donald Trump—depicted here as still leading negotiations—told Axios that Iranian officials had privately apologized through mediators for publishing what he called inaccurate information about the proposed agreement. Trump added that a deal could be signed “as early as this weekend or on Monday.” However, on Truth Social, he dismissed details carried by several Iranian media outlets, insisting they did not reflect the terms agreed in writing. Vice President JD Vance reinforced that position, stating Iran would receive no cash payments or financial benefits simply for signing an agreement—any economic relief would depend on Tehran meeting its obligations.
Regional Players React as Israel Keeps Distance
Qatar and Jordan welcomed progress in the talks. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed hope that an agreement would be finalized soon. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz signaled an independent stance, declaring that Israel would maintain its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza regardless of US-Iran diplomacy. Katz instructed the Israeli military to prepare for independent action against Iran’s nuclear programme if required, and said forces would remain in evacuated militant strongholds in northern Samaria.
Axios reported that Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that he expects a deal within days. A senior US official described the proposed accord as an opportunity to end the conflict and promote long-term regional stability—though on the ground, the 106th day ended with no ceasefire, no signed document, and the strait still bristling with warships.