U.S. forces have launched new strikes in southern Iran, targeting military sites near one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue under pressure.
U.S. Central Command said the operation hit Iranian missile positions and boats that were allegedly preparing to lay mines. In a statement, it said the strikes were carried out in “self-defense” and were intended “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
Central Command spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said the U.S. military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”
The attacks were reported near Bandar Abbas, a major port city on Iran’s southern coast and home to a naval base overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is vital to global energy markets, and any disruption there can quickly unsettle oil prices and shipping routes.
Iranian state media had earlier said explosions were heard in the Bandar Abbas area and that local officials were investigating. Tehran has not yet formally responded to the latest U.S. action, making it unclear whether the strikes will affect negotiations now being pursued through regional diplomacy.
The operation comes as both sides discuss a possible limited arrangement that could extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and create room for further talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. The discussions are not expected to resolve the wider conflict immediately, with more contentious issues likely to be left for later.
President Donald Trump had suggested at the weekend that a deal was close, before later saying he had instructed negotiators “not to rush into” one. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said an agreement could possibly be reached on Monday.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai gave a more cautious assessment, saying progress had been made but no final deal was imminent.
“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion… But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent—no-one can make such a claim.”
At the centre of the talks is Iran’s nuclear stockpile, including uranium enriched to 60% purity. Trump said the material should either be “immediately” handed to the U.S., or “preferably, in conjunction and co-ordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place.”
The ceasefire has been in place since 8 April, but the latest strikes show how volatile the situation remains.