US military strikes Iranian missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas in self-defense, Central Command says

The United States military has conducted new strikes in southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to lay mines, according to U.S. Central Command. The operation was described as a self-defense measure aimed at protecting American forces from threats posed by Iranian military units.

Strikes near Bandar Abbas amid ongoing ceasefire

Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the strikes were carried out near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city that hosts an Iranian naval base on the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the New York Times. Hawkins stated that the U.S. military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.” Iranian state media earlier reported that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating after explosions were heard in the area. Iran has not yet responded to the latest U.S. strikes.

Divergent signals on peace negotiations

The military action comes as Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged that some progress has been made in talks with the United States, but cautioned that a deal to end the conflict “is not imminent.” Over the weekend, President Donald Trump suggested the sides were close to an agreement, but later said he had instructed negotiators “not to rush into” one. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that an agreement could possibly be reached on Monday. Baqai responded: “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.” Despite the downplaying of a breakthrough, Iran’s top negotiator and foreign minister were in Doha for talks with Qatar’s prime minister on a potential deal with the U.S., according to Reuters.

Background on the U.S.-Iran conflict

U.S. and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since April 8. Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. Navy has sought to blockade Iran’s ports. The current conflict was sparked on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran. Iran responded by attacking Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring globally.

Context: The February 28 strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran marked a significant escalation in the region, leading to reciprocal attacks and the closure of a key maritime chokepoint. In a similar instance, past U.S. strikes on Iranian-backed militia positions in Syria and Iraq were also justified as self-defense operations under the Authorization for Use of Military Force.