US forces launched new strikes in southern Iran on May 26, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command.
Washington described the attacks as “defensive actions” carried out to protect military assets and shipping routes in the region. The strikes came while Iranian officials were in Doha, Qatar, for talks aimed at reaching a possible agreement to reduce tensions and end months of conflict between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran could still take “a few days,” but warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open “one way or the other.” The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Iran condemned the strikes and accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire. Iranian officials warned they reserved the right to respond to any further attacks. The conflict, which intensified earlier this year following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted global energy markets and increased fears of wider regional escalation.
