U.S. military strikes ground control tower on Qeshm Island

U.S. Central Command said it attacked a ground control tower on Qeshm Island early Wednesday in what it described as self-defense. The command stated that Iran had attempted and failed to launch missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain. Residents on the 558-square-mile island reported hearing explosions that morning.

Island's military role Qeshm lies near the Strait of Hormuz and has been used during the conflict to target ships in the waterway. The island hosts Iranian missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Defense analysts cited in prior reporting said satellite imagery shows underground launch positions for anti-ship missiles on the island.

They described Qeshm as the IRGC's primary base for blocking traffic through the strait.

Earlier strikes and diplomatic context The U.S. military conducted self-defense strikes on radar and drone control sites on Qeshm and Goruk islands on May 31. Officials said those strikes responded to what they called aggressive actions by Iran. Since mid-March, statements from the U.S. side have indicated ongoing talks aimed at ending the fighting.

Iran has denied developing nuclear weapons and said its atomic program serves peaceful purposes.