US military forces launched strikes on Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island on Saturday after intercepting four Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The drones, identified as one-way attack drones by US Central Command, posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic moving through the critical shipping corridor. The retaliatory strikes targeted surveillance and radar facilities at the two strategic locations overlooking the waterway.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by targeting US bases across the region with missiles and firing on four tankers attempting to pass through the strait without authorization. Iranian officials stated they struck US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, while the US military reported that six missiles were intercepted and another failed to reach its target. Air defense systems in Gulf states were activated following reports of incoming projectiles.

The latest clashes mark an escalation in the three-month conflict that continues to threaten global energy markets and regional stability. Tehran has effectively restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil previously flowed. Iranian officials have tied any potential agreement to sanctions relief and access to billions in frozen assets, warning that further US military action could deepen the conflict.

Political Pressure and Military Assessment

Earlier this week, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted 215-208 to approve a war powers resolution intended to restrict President Donald Trump's ability to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval. On Friday, Trump told NBC News that Iran's military capabilities had been significantly reduced but warned the threat remains.

"They have some missiles, they have some drones," Trump said. "It's a lot of missiles, but it's not what it was when we first attacked."

President Donald Trump has directed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to begin firing employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, calling the agency unnecessary and too big. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Friday, Trump said he wants Pulte to start the process of cuts, targeting holdovers from the Biden and Obama administrations.

Trump cited Pulte’s acting status as an advantage, noting it requires no Senate confirmation and allows him to serve up to 210 days. "You’re less shackled," Trump said. The President stated he is interviewing two permanent DNI candidates but declined to name them. "Bill is not going to be there that long," he said.

Appointment and Background

Trump selected Pulte to replace Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month. Pulte previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversaw government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) warned, "We don’t need a weaponized DNI."

Known as "Little Trump," the newly appointed director previously alleged mortgage fraud by Trump opponents including Sen. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) and Fed Governor Lisa Cook. None were charged. Cook, whom Trump moved to fire as Fed governor, had a legal challenge pending before the Supreme Court.