The United States military has launched fresh strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile installations and vessels allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines, according to US Central Command.
In a statement, Central Command said the operation was conducted in “self-defense” and aimed at protecting American forces from threats posed by Iranian military activity. Spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said US forces “continue to defend our troops while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”
The strikes reportedly targeted areas near Bandar Abbas, the strategic southern port city that hosts a major Iranian naval base along the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reported. Iranian state media earlier said local authorities were investigating explosions heard in the area.
The latest military action comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai acknowledged that negotiators had made progress in talks with the US but cautioned that a final agreement to end hostilities was “not imminent.”
“It is correct to say that we have reached conclusions on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqai said, while stressing that no immediate deal should be expected.
US President Donald Trump over the weekend suggested the two sides were nearing an agreement but later said he had instructed negotiators “not to rush into” a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also indicated that an agreement could potentially be reached as early as Monday.
Sources familiar with the negotiations say the proposed memorandum of understanding includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
CBS News, citing US intelligence assessments, reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — reportedly injured in an Israeli strike that killed his father and predecessor at the onset of the conflict — is believed to be operating from an undisclosed location, complicating communication with negotiators and slowing the pace of talks.
According to US media reports, the current negotiations are not expected to produce a final settlement immediately. Key issues likely to be addressed in later rounds include sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and US demands for Tehran to curb its nuclear ambitions.
At the beginning of the conflict, Iran was believed to possess approximately 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity — technically a short step away from weapons-grade enrichment levels.
Speaking on Monday night, Trump said the enriched uranium would either be transferred to the US “immediately” or “destroyed in place” in coordination with Iranian authorities.
Despite cautious public messaging from both sides, Reuters reported that Iran’s top negotiator and foreign minister were in Doha for discussions with Qatar’s prime minister regarding a possible agreement with Washington.
A ceasefire between US and Iranian forces has largely held since 8 April, though tensions remain high. Iran has maintained tight controls over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy has continued operations near Iranian ports.
The current conflict began on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US-allied Gulf states.
Iran’s subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent global oil prices sharply higher.
