The United States announced on Monday that its forces carried out strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launchers and boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines near the Gulf coast. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, although US officials said operations were limited to defensive measures.
According to US Central Command, the strikes were aimed at protecting American troops from what it described as threats posed by Iranian forces. CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said US forces conducted “self-defence strikes” against missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to deploy mines in strategic waters.
Hawkins stated that US Central Command would continue defending its personnel while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. However, he did not disclose further operational details, including the scale of the strikes or the extent of the damage caused.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported explosions in several areas along the country’s southern coastline. Residents in the port city of Bandar Abbas said they heard multiple blasts, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. The report added that the exact source and location of the explosions remained unclear.
At the same time, similar sounds were reportedly heard near the coastal towns of Sirik and Jask, both located along the Gulf and close to key maritime routes. Iranian authorities did not immediately issue an official statement regarding the reported incidents or confirm whether military facilities were targeted.
The latest developments have added to growing regional tensions, as both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange accusations over military activities in and around the Gulf’s strategic waterways.
