U.S. Conducts Strikes on Iranian Sites as Trump Seeks Changes to Peace Deal

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched targeted self-defense strikes over the weekend against Iranian military infrastructure, including radar installations, air-defense targets, and a ground-control station. The operation follows Iran's recent downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone over international waters. While CENTCOM also reported intercepting two one-way attack drones, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted a U.S. air base in retaliation. There have been no confirmed American casualties from these exchanges. On the diplomatic front, President Donald Trump has reportedly requested specific changes to a draft agreement intended to finalize a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. This move has pushed negotiators back into talks, though both sides continue to exchange draft language via active back-channels even as military pressure persists. Simultaneously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a regional diplomatic effort to prevent further spillover. Rubio has held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a gradual de-escalation plan. The proposed framework would require Hezbollah to cease attacks on Israel in exchange for an Israeli commitment to refrain from escalating military operations in Beirut.