The United States has conducted strikes on Iran by targeting the country’s missile launch sites and mine-laying boats, despite indicating that a peace agreement was nearing completion.
According to the US military, self-defense strikes were carried out in southern Iran on Monday. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, stated that the strikes were a response to threats posed by Iranian forces, emphasizing that they were exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire period.
The military action follows recent statements by President Trump, suggesting progress in negotiations for a peace deal with Iran after discussions with Gulf allies, Israel, and a mediator from Pakistan aimed at resolving the conflict.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported downing a US drone and engaging a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace, without specifying the timing of these incidents.
The US military targeted boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been mostly closed since the conflict began, as well as missile sites utilized by Iran. The strikes hit an area near Bandar Abbas, a port city in southern Iran known for its military port and dual-use airport.
In response, Tehran warned of retaliatory actions, labeling the US strikes as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US for breaching the ceasefire in Hormozgan province and pledged to defend the country’s sovereignty against any aggression.
A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan has been in place since April 8, coinciding with ongoing negotiations for a potential resolution to the conflict. Despite Iran suggesting that the ceasefire has been compromised, the US maintains its commitment to defending its forces while showing restraint.
China, a significant ally of Iran, has called on both nations to uphold their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and negotiation, addressing the concerns of all parties involved.