The United States has launched new military strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to US Central Command, the strikes were carried out in “self defence” to protect American forces from threats posed by Iranian military activity during the ongoing ceasefire period.
US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated that the American military continues to defend its personnel while exercising restraint during negotiations linked to the conflict.
The strikes reportedly targeted areas near Bandar Abbas, home to a major Iranian naval base located close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Iranian state media earlier reported explosions in the region, though Tehran has not officially responded to the latest US military action.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said that progress had been made in ongoing negotiations but stressed that a final agreement was “not imminent”.
Following the strikes, Marco Rubio stated that diplomatic efforts were still continuing and pointed to ongoing talks involving Iranian negotiators and officials from Qatar.
Rubio said discussions were focused on specific terms within a proposed agreement and could take several more days.
He also emphasised that maintaining open shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz remained a priority for the United States, calling any disruption to maritime traffic “unacceptable”.
Reports indicate that the current discussions involve proposals for a 60 day ceasefire extension, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to international media reports, key issues still under discussion include sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets and demands from Washington for Iran to limit uranium enrichment activities.
The latest escalation comes after months of regional conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran targeting Israel and Gulf allies.
The tensions have significantly affected global oil markets and shipping activity in the Gulf region.
