US Strikes Iranian Sites and Returns Proposed Memo as Ceasefire Strains

Trump Returns Memorandum Over the Weekend

President Donald Trump sent proposed changes to a memorandum of understanding back to Iran over the weekend, according to CNN. Simultaneously, US Central Command confirmed carrying out self-defense strikes against Iranian radar and command and control sites.

The military action followed the reported shootdown of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters, according to US Central Command statements issued on May 31, 2026. This ongoing exchange of fire has tested a shaky ceasefire that went into effect in early April.

Strait of Hormuz Talks and Ceasefire Strain

According to CNN, the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran aims to end hostilities and lay the groundwork for subsequent talks regarding key regional issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated on Truth Social that Iran wants to reach an agreement, writing that the outcome would be beneficial for the United States and those that are with us.

Fighter Aircraft Strike Iranian Positions

US Central Command stated that fighter aircraft eliminated Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed threats to ships transiting regional waters. The operation was launched in response to aggressive Iranian actions, which included downing the US drone over international waters.

Missile Interceptions and Base Claims

Simultaneously, state-run outlets in Iran carried a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming responsibility for a strike on a US air base. That base was reportedly used to launch an attack on a telecommunications tower located on Iran’s Sirik Island. Prior to that claim, Kuwait reported successfully repelling incoming drone and missile attacks. US Central Command later confirmed on X that American forces based in Kuwait intercepted two incoming Iranian ballistic missiles without any reported US casualties.

Modifications Focus on Nuclear Commitments

The diplomatic push follows a two-hour meeting on Friday, where Trump met with advisers to review the agreement. Although Trump declared the accord largely finalized the previous week, the meeting concluded without a conclusive decision. According to CNN, the newly requested modifications focus on strengthening stipulations regarding Iran’s nuclear commitments and guarantees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also expressed caution regarding potential financial relief for Iran under the agreement. He raised concerns about avoiding comparisons to the “pallets of cash” delivered under the Obama-era nuclear deal. While Trump claimed on social media that the US would seize and destroy Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and that financial exchanges were not part of the discussion, Iran has maintained that details of its nuclear program are not being discussed under the current negotiations and that financial terms must be included in any agreement.