WASHINGTON — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran on Monday, U.S. Central Command said, amid ongoing diplomatic talks between the two nations in Qatar.
The strikes targeted an area near the port city of Bandar Abbas, which serves as a major naval base for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said in a statement that the operation consisted of “self-defense strikes” intended to protect American military forces from active threats.
“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” Hawkins said. He added that the command was exercising restraint to maintain a fragile, pre-existing ceasefire.
Iranian state media, citing reports from the Fars News Agency, stated that four people were killed in the bombardment. Local officials in Bandar Abbas had earlier reported hearing multiple explosions in the coastal region.
According to a senior U.S. official cited by Fox News, the strikes have concluded for the present time. The Pentagon reported that no U.S. personnel or assets were harmed during the engagement.
The military action occurred as top Iranian and American negotiators convened in Doha, Qatar, for diplomatic discussions aimed at permanently ending the conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai told reporters that negotiators had achieved partial progress, though an final agreement was not imminent.
Global oil markets did not see prolonged upward movement following the engagement. Global benchmark Brent crude fell more than 5% toward $97 per barrel in early trading, driven by market anticipation of a broader peace deal and the potential reopening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
If you would like to track further changes, let me know if I should monitor the latest statements from Doha, official casualty updates from Tehran, or any shipping notices issued for the Strait of Hormuz.
