UNITED STATES PERSPECTIVE

Washington, May 28, 2026. The night of May 27-28 confirmed the double logic of the Trump administration towards Iran: striking precisely while negotiating ostentatiously. The US Central Command stated in an official statement that its forces had "shot down four Iranian one-way drones posing a threat around the Strait of Ormuz" before striking "a ground control station in Bandar Abbas on the verge of launching a fifth drone". The Pentagon described these operations as "measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire".

Iran's response was swift: the IRGC claimed to have targeted a US airbase in Kuwait around 4:50 local time. Kuwaiti defenses intercepted the ballistic missile — no casualties or material damage were reported. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced "odious Iranian attacks" on its territory.

At the heart of the US setup: Treasury sanctions announced on Wednesday against the Iranian Authority of the Persian Gulf Strait, the agency set up by Tehran to collect passage fees. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke of a "attempt to extort the global maritime trade," warning that anyone cooperating with this authority "risks sanctions" due to its links with the IRGC.

Trump reaffirmed his position at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday: Iran "negotiates on fumes" ("we're fuming"). He ruled out the idea of rushing an agreement under international economic pressure or the mid-term elections. "I don't care about midterms," he said, referencing the primaries won by his candidates the previous day. On the Strait of Ormuz — closed since the US-Israeli attack in late February — Trump made it clear: "No one will control the Strait of Ormuz." An explicit warning also targets Oman, following reports of a possible Iranian-Omani co-management of the passage.

In parallel, a 60-day framework agreement is reportedly being finalized, according to Axios: the US and Iran have "largely accepted" the terms of a memorandum of understanding extending the ceasefire and opening nuclear talks. However, Trump has not yet given his approval, and Bessent has set firm conditions: Tehran must return its highly enriched uranium and renounce nuclear weapons. Brent rose by over 3% to $97.29 per barrel, WTI by 3.42% to $91.71, reflecting persistent concerns over global energy supplies.