U.S. Says It Struck Missile Sites, Boats in Southern Iran During Ceasefire

The U.S. military said it carried out new “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz, a move announced during an ongoing ceasefire.

Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement reported by Reuters and The Associated Press: “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.” CENTCOM framed the action as necessary to protect U.S. troops and said it was acting while the ceasefire remained in effect.

Iranian state and semi-official media reported explosion-like sounds in and around Bandar Abbas and nearby coastal areas including Sirik and Jask. Reuters reported that Mehr, an Iranian news agency, said the situation in Bandar Abbas was “under control.” Those reports of explosions do not independently confirm the U.S. account of what was struck or whether the reported blasts were tied to the specific targets identified by CENTCOM.

CENTCOM did not immediately provide detailed operational information, including how many strikes were carried out, what weapons or military platforms were used, or whether there were confirmed Iranian casualties or vessel losses. The U.S. military statement, as reported by Reuters and AP, was limited to the description of the targets and the assertion that the action was taken in self-defense.

The reported strikes centered on a strategically sensitive stretch of Iran’s southern coast. Bandar Abbas and nearby towns overlook the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The strait is one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints and has historically carried about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, making any report of mine-laying activity or military action there immediately significant far beyond the region.

The timing also drew attention because the strikes were announced on the same day Iranian negotiators, including the country’s parliamentary speaker and foreign minister, were reported to be in Doha, Qatar, for talks on a framework to end hostilities and address issues involving the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military statement did not address those talks beyond saying the strikes took place “during the ongoing ceasefire.”