The US military says it carried out fresh strikes in southern Iran. The attacks targeted Iranian missile sites and boats that were reportedly trying to place mines in the sea. The US Central Command stated that it took the action in self-defence to safeguard American troops from potential threats posed by Iranian forces. US officials said the strikes happened near Bandar Abbas, an important port city in southern Iran.
The city is home to a major Iranian naval base located near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. Iranian state media earlier reported explosions in the area and said local authorities were investigating the incident.
Despite the new military action, the US said it was still trying to avoid a larger conflict. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said American forces were acting carefully while continuing to defend themselves during the ongoing ceasefire.
The strikes happened while diplomatic talks between the US and Iran were continuing. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said the two sides had made progress in negotiations but warned that an agreement was still not close.
He stated that they had successfully discussed many issues, but no one could yet predict a swift final deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said there was still hope for an agreement. Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio said more discussions were planned between Iran’s foreign minister and Qatar’s prime minister.
He added that President Donald Trump wanted a deal but would only accept one that benefited the US. Reports suggest the proposed agreement could include a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and future talks about Iran’s nuclear programme.
US media reports indicate that intelligence officials suspect Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is concealing himself in an undisclosed location following injuries sustained earlier in the conflict. This has reportedly slowed communication and delayed negotiations. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and Gulf states allied with the US. Iran also tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, causing global oil prices to rise sharply.
