US launches new strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats
The United States military conducted new strikes on southern Iran on Monday, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats that were attempting to place mines, according to a statement from United States Central Command. The operation was described as an act of self-defense aimed at protecting American forces from threats posed by Iranian troops.
Strikes near Bandar Abbas
Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, 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. Iranian state media earlier reported that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating after explosions were heard in the area. Captain Hawkins noted that the United States military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire” between the two countries.
Diplomatic status
Iran has not yet responded to the latest American attack. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai stated earlier that while some progress had been made in talks to end the war, a deal “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. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had indicated that an agreement could possibly be reached on Monday.
Speaking to reporters during an official visit to India, Rubio said a deal remained possible, pointing to talks on Tuesday between Iran’s top negotiator and foreign minister and Qatar’s prime minister. “We’ll see if we can make progress. I think it’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days,” Rubio said. He added that Trump “has expressed his desire to make it,” and that “he’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
When asked again about Monday’s strikes, Rubio said: “The straits have to be open. They’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
Potential ceasefire framework
The memorandum of understanding under discussion reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a plan for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Baqai responded to claims of an imminent agreement by stating: “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.”
CBS News, the British Broadcasting Corporation’s United States partner, has reported that United States intelligence believes Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is holed up in an undisclosed location. Khamenei was injured in an Israeli strike on the first day of the war, which killed his father and predecessor.
Context
The strikes follow a pattern of escalating military actions in the region. In recent months, the United States has conducted similar operations against Iranian-linked targets in Syria and Iraq, citing force protection concerns. The ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations.