US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran Amid Ceasefire Talks

The United States has carried out new strikes on southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines, according to the US Central Command.

In a statement, the US military said the strikes were conducted in “self-defense” and aimed at protecting American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the American military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire” between the two countries.

The strikes reportedly targeted areas near Bandar Abbas, a strategic southern Iranian port city that hosts a major naval base along the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, Iranian state media said local authorities were investigating explosions heard in the area earlier.

Iran has not officially responded to the latest strikes. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said earlier that although some progress had been made in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, a final agreement was “not imminent.”

The latest escalation has raised uncertainty over the future of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran was still possible. Speaking to reporters during an official visit to India, Rubio referred to talks held on Tuesday involving Iran’s top negotiator, the Iranian foreign minister, and the Prime Minister of Qatar.

“We’ll see if we can make progress. I think it’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days,” Rubio said.

He added that US President Donald Trump remained committed to securing an agreement.

“He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio stated.

Commenting on maritime security, Rubio stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, calling any disruption “unlawful, illegal and unacceptable for the world.” Agencies