The United States military has carried out airstrikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch facilities and naval positions near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, in what Washington described as a defensive operation aimed at preventing further attacks on American forces in the region.
According to a statement from the U.S. military, the strikes were conducted in self-defense to counter potential threats posed by Iranian forces against American troops stationed across the Middle East.
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command in the region, Capt. Tim Hawkins, said the United States remains committed to protecting its personnel while maintaining pressure on hostile forces, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
The strikes reportedly focused on Bandar Abbas, a key southern Iranian port city that hosts major naval bases near the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Iranian media reported powerful explosions in the area, while local authorities in Bandar Abbas said investigations were underway to assess the extent of the damage.
Although Iran has not officially announced any retaliation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai recently said negotiations with the United States were progressing positively, adding that there was no urgency in reaching a final agreement.
Following the strikes, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a diplomatic agreement with Iran was still possible. He also revealed that Iranian representatives are expected to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister on May 26 as talks continue.
“We will see whether progress can be made,” Rubio said. “There are still many issues that need further discussion before both sides can fully agree on the framework.”
Rubio added that President Donald Trump remains prepared to sign a potential agreement if negotiations succeed.
The conflict between the United States and Iran, which escalated on February 28, has already raised global economic concerns, particularly due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz a vital corridor through which nearly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply passes.
