By Blessing Nweke
The United States military carried out strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with U.S. officials describing the operation as a defensive response during an already fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said the attacks targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines near the strategic waterway. He described the operation as “self-defense strikes” aimed at protecting U.S. forces and maritime security in the region.
According to a U.S. defense official, the strikes occurred in Bandar Abbas, a major port city in southern Iran located near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Despite the military action, there was no indication that the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which took effect on April 8, had collapsed. Hawkins stressed that U.S. forces were continuing to exercise restraint while defending personnel and assets in the region.
Iranian semi-official media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and nearby coastal areas, while the Mehr news agency said the situation remained under control and urged the public not to panic.
The latest confrontation comes as negotiations continue over ending the conflict that began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Earlier Monday, Iran cautioned that a final agreement was not close, despite recent comments by President Donald Trump suggesting progress in talks.
Trump also renewed demands for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to be removed or destroyed under international supervision. Meanwhile, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Iranian ports have disrupted maritime traffic and contributed to rising global fuel prices.
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