U.S. forces on Monday night carried out a series of what the military described as self-defense strikes in southern Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the action targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon confirmed the action — which comes amid advanced peace negotiations between the two sides — in a statement delivered by CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” Hawkins said.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”
The strikes occurred in an area near Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port and naval base. According to a report from the New York Times, explosions were reported in coastal regions, and Iranian sources noted activity involving vessels prior to the U.S. response. No exact details on casualties and affected locations have been provided as of this report.
The latest flare-up of hostilities took place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire established back in April, which followed weeks of intense U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets, as well as intense retaliatory strikes against Israel, regional U.S. Military installations and oil infrastructure in the Gulf States.
The truce, initially brokered with involvement from regional actors including Pakistan, has faced repeated strains. Iran has cited issues such as the status of the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has maintained a naval presence and blockade elements in response to the de facto Iranian blockade that began when the conflict erupted.
Previous exchanges of fire have occurred during the ceasefire period, but both sides have characterized actions as defensive. President Donald Trump has extended the truce indefinitely while emphasizing restraint in major operations.
Over the weekend, President Trump indicated that substantial progress had been made toward a framework agreement with Iran. “An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries,” the president posted on social media on May 24, adding that key U.S. demands concerning Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz had been met.
The proposed memorandum of understanding would serve as an initial framework, potentially including a 60-day period for further talks. Key elements under discussion include reopening the Strait of Hormuz to pre-conflict shipping levels with security assurances, addressing Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, phased demining and navigation freedoms, and broader issues such as sanctions relief.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described “some good signs” and “progress over the last 48 hours.”
The Iranian government has acknowledged progress but has tempered expectations, claiming that it has not agreed to U.S. demands on the nuclear issue or charging tolls to navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 25, Trump clarified his position, instructing negotiators “not to rush into a deal” because “time is on our side” and both sides must “take their time and get it right.” He reiterated that negotiations were “proceeding nicely” while maintaining that only a strong agreement would suffice.
