US says attacks were defensive
The United States launched fresh strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines, according to US Central Command.
Central Command said the attacks were carried out in self-defence and aimed at protecting US forces from threats posed by Iranian forces during the ongoing ceasefire between the two countries.
Spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said the US military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire”.
Bandar Abbas targeted in operation
According to reports, the strikes targeted an area near Bandar Abbas, a key southern port city that hosts an Iranian naval base along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media said local officials were investigating explosions heard in the area following the strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the tensions between Washington and Tehran due to its importance for global oil shipments.
Rubio says negotiations still possible
Despite the latest military escalation, Marco Rubio said diplomatic efforts were continuing.
Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio said discussions between Iran’s top negotiator, the Iranian foreign minister and Qatar’s prime minister were ongoing.
“We’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio told reporters, adding that negotiations were focused on specific wording in a draft agreement.
He also said Donald Trump wanted a deal but insisted it would only happen under acceptable terms.
Iran cautious over possible agreement
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said progress had been made in negotiations but stressed that an agreement was not imminent.
Reports suggest the proposed memorandum includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to US media reports, discussions surrounding sanctions relief, frozen Iranian funds and Tehran’s nuclear activities remain unresolved.
Nuclear tensions remain central
At the start of the conflict, Iran was believed to possess around 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels required for a nuclear weapon.
Trump said the enriched uranium should either be handed over to the US immediately or destroyed in coordination with Iran.
The current ceasefire has remained in place since 8 April, although tensions across the region continue following the conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
Also read: US Iran deal may come on Monday, says Rubio
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
