The United States said it intercepted multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday, even as Washington and Tehran indicated that a deal to end months of conflict was closer than ever.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran launched several one-way attack drones aimed at ships passing through the strategic waterway. The US military said all drones were successfully destroyed and maritime traffic continued without disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Iran has maintained a blockade in the area since the conflict began, creating uncertainty in international energy markets.

Despite the latest security incident, both sides expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” was nearing completion, referring to talks previously hosted in Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed that negotiators had reached a final draft of a peace agreement, describing the current situation as the closest the region has come to peace since the war erupted.

A senior US official estimated there was now an 80-85 percent chance that the agreement would be signed within days.

However, major differences remain over Iran’s nuclear programme and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists on retaining its enriched uranium, while US officials maintain that Tehran must dismantle its nuclear programme before receiving economic benefits or access to frozen assets.

Diplomatic efforts continue, with both sides hoping to finalize the agreement in the coming days.