Us Strikes Iran Today: US Hits Missile Sites Near Bandar Abbas

Us strikes iran today as the US said it launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats attempting to place mines near Bandar Abbas. US Central Command said the operation was taken in self-defense and was designed to protect US troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

Central Command spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said the US military “continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire” between two countries. The strikes land while negotiators are still discussing a memorandum of understanding that reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and further talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz

Capt Hawkins said the strikes targeted an area near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city and home of an Iranian naval base on the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating after explosions were heard.

That location matters because Marco Rubio said “The straits have to be open. They're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable.” He also said a deal was still possible and that President Donald Trump had expressed his desire to make a good deal.

Talks on Tuesday

Rubio said talks took place on Tuesday between Iran’s top negotiator and foreign minister and Qatar’s prime minister. He also said, “We'll see if we can make progress. I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days,” and added, “He's either going to make a good deal or no deal.”

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said some progress had been made in talks to end the war, but said a deal “is not imminent.” Baqai also said, “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion... But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent - no-one can make such a claim.”

Trump, talks and uranium

Donald Trump had suggested at the weekend that the sides were close to a deal, then later said he had instructed negotiators not to rush into one. Rubio earlier said an agreement could possibly be reached on Monday, but US media said the discussions would not immediately lead to a final settlement.

The wider nuclear context also remains unresolved. At the start of the war, Iran is thought to have had about 440kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, while the draft understanding under discussion still leaves major questions about the ceasefire extension, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.

The immediate issue now is whether the latest US strikes will slow the talks or push both sides back to the same table with a narrower set of choices.