Pentagon Confirms Strikes on Missile Launchers and Speedboats in Southern Iran

The U.S. military carried out self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting rocket launch sites and boats allegedly trying to lay mines even as nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran gain momentum.

U.S. Forces Strike Iranian Military Assets in the South

American forces launched targeted strikes against missile launch sites and speedboats in southern Iran a move the Pentagon described strictly as self-defense. A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed the operation.

“Today, U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to place mines,” said Hawkins, in response to a media query.

The military official stressed the strikes did not signal any end to the existing ceasefire arrangement.

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Fox News Reports Two IRGC Boats Destroyed

Fox News journalist Jennifer Griffin had earlier reported the strikes, citing a CENTCOM statement. According to sources cited by the channel, the operation destroyed two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) speedboats and also knocked out an air defense missile system position.

The previous evening, Reuters had reported explosions near the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. No cause was officially stated at the time.

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Nuclear Talks Continue Despite Military Flare-Up

The strikes come at a sensitive diplomatic moment. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the odds were good for a temporary nuclear agreement with Iran. The Washington Post had earlier reported that a draft framework not yet approved by Tehran would require Iran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran’s leadership has denied any readiness to ship out its uranium reserves.

On Sunday, Donald Trump said both sides were close to finalizing a deal with an announcement expected soon. Reports suggest the two countries may sign a memorandum of understanding in the near term. Under the proposed document, Iran would commit to not developing nuclear weapons. In return, the United States could lift its blockade on Iranian ports.

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The White House is also reportedly considering lifting some sanctions which would allow Iran to freely export oil. Washington has expressed willingness to discuss unfreezing Iranian assets over a 60-day window, once a final agreement is reached.