U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced Monday that American forces carried out what it described as “defensive strikes” in southern Iran, a move that comes as negotiations aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Tehran remain ongoing.
Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a Centcom spokesperson, told The Hill that the strikes were designed “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” specifically citing boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites. “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” Hawkins added.
Earlier Monday, Reuters reported explosions in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas and nearby coastal areas around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The U.S. and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 7, a period marked by only minor attacks that have not breached the agreement’s terms.
The strikes come as diplomatic efforts intensify. A memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran has been circulated but not yet finalized. If approved, the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil passes—and end all hostilities. Under the proposed framework, Iran would also surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, according to the Associated Press. The specifics of that removal would be negotiated in subsequent talks, with the ceasefire extended by 60 days to allow time.
This operation follows a period of heightened tension in the region. Centcom recently marked 100 ship diversions due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, underscoring the economic stakes. The energy crisis triggered by the conflict has already forced deep cuts in U.S. public school budgets, highlighting the broader domestic impact.
Meanwhile, political figures have weighed in. During the Iran talks, Vice President Vance took the podium as negotiations stumbled, while former President Trump held fire on additional strikes. The administration has walked a fine line between military deterrence and diplomatic outreach.
The situation remains fluid, with the ceasefire’s durability tested by each side’s actions. The strikes, while described as defensive, could complicate the already delicate talks. U.S. officials have stressed restraint, but the latest operation signals a willingness to respond to perceived threats even as negotiations proceed.
This is a developing story.
