US Carries Out New Airstrikes in Southern Iran Amid Ongoing Tensions

The United States military has carried out new airstrikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to lay sea mines, according to a BBC report.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the operation was conducted in self-defense and aimed at protecting American forces from potential threats posed by Iranian military units.

CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said, “During the ongoing ceasefire, US forces are exercising restraint while continuing to defend their personnel.”

The strikes come at a time when Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that some progress has been made in talks with the United States, but a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict is not expected in the immediate future.

According to the New York Times, the strikes targeted an area near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, close to an Iranian naval base located along the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Iranian state media reported loud explosions in Bandar Abbas, after which local authorities reportedly launched an investigation into the incident.

Last weekend, US President Donald Trump indicated that both sides were moving closer to an agreement, although he later instructed his negotiators not to rush into any deal.