The U.S. military said Monday that it carried out what it described as “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats involved in placing naval mines, even as President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were “proceeding nicely.”
According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes were intended to protect American forces amid what it described as ongoing threats from Iranian forces. The military said it acted with restraint, citing the ceasefire that has largely held in recent weeks following months of conflict.
The developments underscored the fragile balance between military action and diplomacy as negotiations over a possible deal to end the war continue.
Military Statement
Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that the strikes were carried out “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.” He added that U.S. forces were exercising restraint during the ceasefire period.
The military did not immediately provide additional details about the nature of the threats or the specific locations of the strikes beyond saying they occurred in southern Iran. It also remained unclear how the latest military action might affect negotiations.
There was no immediate official response from Iran’s government. However, Iranian media outlets reported casualties and explosions linked to the strikes.
Iranian Reports
In Iran, the news website Tabnak, which is believed to be close to former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei, reported that four members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard were killed in U.S. strikes on boats. The report could not be independently verified.
Iranian state television separately reported explosions around Bandar Abbas, a port city located on the Strait of Hormuz. The city is home to a major military port as well as a dual-use airport serving both civilian and military purposes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central concern in the conflict. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil and natural gas passed through the narrow waterway. Iran’s effective control of the strait has continued to disrupt global energy markets.
Talks Continue
Despite the strikes, Trump said on social media that negotiations with Iran were moving forward. Iran has sent its parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, to Qatar as part of the talks. Qatar, which endured heavy Iranian attacks during the war, plays a significant role as a mediator and holds billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds.
No official timeline has been announced for when negotiations might conclude or whether a deal is close. The talks remain complex, involving security issues, economic sanctions, and regional stability.
Israel Recognition Raised
Trump has added a new element to the negotiations by suggesting that any agreement to end the Iran war should include a requirement for additional countries to join the Abraham Accords. These U.S.-brokered agreements, introduced during Trump’s first term, aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab or Muslim-majority countries.
Trump named Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as countries that should “immediately” sign on, while acknowledging that one or two nations might decline. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were the first to join the accords in 2020, followed by Sudan, Morocco, and later Kazakhstan.
Trump wrote that after what he described as extensive U.S. diplomatic efforts, countries benefiting from American involvement should also take steps to support regional normalization with Israel.
Regional Reactions
The proposal could complicate negotiations, particularly as the emerging Iran deal faces criticism from some Republicans who favor a tougher stance toward Tehran.
Saudi Arabia has long maintained that normalization with Israel depends on progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel’s actions during the war against Hamas in Gaza have further strained relations with Gulf states and much of the Muslim world.
Pakistan, another country mentioned by Trump, does not recognize Israel and has said its position remains unchanged. Analysts say recognition of a Palestinian state remains central to Islamabad’s foreign policy stance.
Pakistan’s Role
Islamabad-based analyst Syed Mohammad Ali said Pakistan’s approach toward Israel has not shifted despite Trump’s remarks. Pakistan has played a mediating role in regional diplomacy and remains engaged in discussions related to the conflict.
Masood Khan, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, said Trump’s reference to the Abraham Accords introduced a new dimension to negotiations that had not previously been part of the agenda.
“The invocation of the Abraham Accords at this stage gives an altogether new dimension to the diplomatic and mediatory processes,” Khan said, noting the domestic political pressure Trump faces to secure a favorable deal.
Still, Khan said the diplomatic process remains active and that Pakistan continues to play a central role, supported by other regional actors.
Uncertain Path Ahead
It remains unclear when or how an agreement with Iran might be finalized. Trump has suggested that even Iran could eventually join the Abraham Accords if a broader deal is reached, though such a move would represent a major shift in regional politics.
The accords themselves are a series of diplomatic, economic, and security agreements developed with U.S. backing during Trump’s first term. Egypt and Jordan already have longstanding peace treaties with Israel, while Turkey recognized Israel in 1949.
For now, the combination of military strikes, ongoing negotiations, and shifting diplomatic proposals highlights the uncertainty surrounding efforts to end the conflict and stabilize the region.
FAQs
Why did the U.S. carry out strikes in Iran?
The military said the strikes were in self-defense to protect U.S. troops.
What targets were hit in the strikes?
The U.S. said missile launch sites and boats placing mines were targeted.
Did Iran respond officially to the strikes?
There was no immediate official response from Iran.
Are negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ongoing?
Yes, officials say talks are continuing despite the strikes.
What are the Abraham Accords?
They are U.S.-brokered agreements to normalize relations with Israel.
