Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, May 26: The United States military said it carried out “self-defence” strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz amid continuing tensions and fragile ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran.

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were launched to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Officials said the targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels suspected of placing mines in the strategically important waterway.

CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said the US military was acting with restraint despite the ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations. “US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” he said in a statement.

Reports said two boats linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and a surface-to-air missile site near Bandar Abbas were among the targets struck during the operation.

The latest strikes come even as diplomatic efforts continue between the US and Iran to extend a ceasefire and negotiate a broader agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely”, though he has also insisted that Iran must either surrender or destroy its enriched uranium stockpile as part of any future agreement.

The developments have raised concerns over the stability of the ceasefire, with analysts warning that renewed military exchanges could complicate ongoing peace efforts in the region.