The strikes came even as President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were ‘proceeding nicely’
The United States carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command said the operation near Bandar Abbas aimed to protect American troops while avoiding escalation during ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Tehran.
The strikes came even as President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were “proceeding nicely.”
Trump signaled over the weekend that a peace accord focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving issues around Iran’s nuclear ambitions was nearing agreement.
He also pushed for expanding the Abraham Accords, urging countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to normalize relations with Israel.
Despite the strikes, both countries maintained the temporary ceasefire that began on April 8. However, Iranian officials maintained that despite advances on several issues, no immediate agreement was in sight.