US Conducts ‘Self-Defence Strikes’ on Iranian Boats, Missile Sites
The development comes hours after the US made progress in ceasefire negotiations
Washington DC: The US military carried out “self-defence strikes” targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing ceasefire between the two countries, CNN reported, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM).
“US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement when asked about reports of explosions near the strategic waterway.
He said the targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines. “US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” Hawkins added.
US and Iranian forces have previously exchanged fire during the ceasefire period. In early May, US forces had struck Iranian military facilities allegedly involved in “unprovoked” missile, drone and small boat attacks on American warships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The development comes hours after the US made progress in ceasefire negotiations, with US President Donald Trump stating that Iran’s enriched uranium would either be “turned over” to the US for destruction or destroyed at an agreed location.
Trump said the process would take place “in conjunction and collaboration” with Iran, signalling Tehran’s softer stance as both sides work towards a peace agreement.
“The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The statement also appeared to confirm a New York Times report that Iran has agreed in principle to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under a US-led framework aimed at reducing regional tensions.
The move reportedly addresses a major sticking point in negotiations, as CNN had earlier reported disagreements over “language on Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions” had slowed efforts to finalise a broader agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Earlier, Trump asserted that any future accord with Tehran would only proceed if it was a “great and meaningful” deal, warning that the US would walk away otherwise.
Iran, meanwhile, indicated that progress had been made on several issues but expressed concern over Washington’s shifting positions during the talks.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said, “It is correct that we have reached conclusions on a large portion of the discussion topics, but to say that this means the signing of an imminent agreement is something no one can claim. The frequent changes in the positions of American officials complicate every negotiation.”
