Iran has accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire after American forces carried out new strikes in southern Iran, a move that could complicate negotiations aimed at easing tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command said the operation targeted Iranian missile positions and boats that it claimed were preparing to lay mines near the strategic waterway. Washington described the strikes as defensive and said they were intended to protect American personnel in the region.
Tehran dismissed that explanation and blamed the U.S. for any consequences that may follow. Iran’s foreign ministry said the attacks in Hormozgan province, which borders the Strait of Hormuz, amounted to aggressive and unjustified action at a time when diplomatic efforts were still under way.
“Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave any evil unanswered and will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation,” the Iranian statement said.
The confrontation comes as mediators try to extend the ceasefire reached in April, following weeks of fighting that began when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. The truce has largely held, although both sides have accused each other of provocations.
Centcom did not give a precise location for the latest strikes, but U.S. media reports said they took place near Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port city and naval base overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media had earlier reported that explosions had been heard in the area and that local officials were investigating.
In its statement, Centcom said U.S. forces “conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed it had shot down a U.S. drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace, although it did not provide further details.
Despite the renewed military activity, talks involving U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to continue, with Pakistan and Qatar playing mediation roles. A proposal under discussion reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said an agreement remains possible, but it will “take a few days.” Iran, meanwhile, has said progress has been made, but a deal “is not imminent.”