U.S. Strikes Iranian Targets Near Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military carried out strikes Monday against targets in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, describing the action as self-defense amid an ongoing ceasefire with Tehran.

Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to lay mines. “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” he said. Semi-official Iranian media reported explosions near the city and coastal areas, though Iranian officials said the situation was under control.

The ceasefire, in effect since April 8, followed the outbreak of war on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel struck Iran. Negotiations to formally end the conflict have been ongoing but appear stalled. Earlier Monday, Iran signaled that a deal was not imminent after President Trump alternately raised and lowered expectations about a breakthrough.

Trump reiterated Monday his demand that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile be either transferred to the U.S. or destroyed in place under international supervision. A senior White House official said the position is not new and has already been communicated to Tehran. The fate of the enriched uranium stockpile remains a central sticking point in negotiations.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continue to disrupt global maritime traffic, contributing to rising fuel prices worldwide.