US Strikes Bandar Abbas Area, Targets Iranian Missile Launch Sites Near Strait Of Hormuz

The United States has carried out fresh military strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to place mines near the Strait of Hormuz, even as diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington continued in Qatar over a possible end to the ongoing conflict.

The latest attacks, described by the US military as "self-defence" operations, have added fresh uncertainty to the fragile ceasefire that began on April 8 after nearly three months of war involving the US, Iran and Israel. The conflict has already shaken global markets and disrupted energy flows through one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.

US Says Strikes Were Conducted In 'Self-Defence'

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes in a statement, saying American forces acted "to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces". According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted missile launch facilities and Iranian boats attempting to "emplace mines".

Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, said the American military "continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire".

According to a report by The New York Times, Hawkins said the strikes focused on areas near Bandar Abbas, a strategically important southern Iranian port city that houses a naval base along the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media earlier reported that explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, adding that local authorities had launched an investigation into the incident.

Tehran has not yet officially responded to the latest strikes.

Fragile Ceasefire Faces Fresh Pressure

The new attacks come at a sensitive moment as negotiators from Iran were in Doha holding discussions with Qatar's prime minister regarding a possible framework for ending the conflict.

While both sides have maintained communication channels, uncertainty continues to surround the prospects of a final agreement. The ceasefire that came into effect earlier this month has remained under strain amid repeated military activity and unresolved disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and regional security concerns.

The fresh escalation near Hormuz has raised fears that tensions could once again spiral, especially given the strategic importance of the waterway for global oil shipments.

Iran-US Talks Continue In Doha

Despite the military action, diplomatic discussions between Tehran and Washington are still underway.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said some progress had been achieved during the talks, though he cautioned that a breakthrough was still distant. He said a deal to formally end the conflict "is not imminent".

According to Reuters, discussions in Doha have focused heavily on the security of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The report also stated that Iran's central bank governor participated in the meetings to discuss the possible release of frozen Iranian assets as part of a broader settlement agreement.

Trump Demands Iran Hand Over Enriched Uranium

Hours after the strikes, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning regarding Iran's enriched uranium reserves.

In a social media post, Trump said Iran would either need to transfer its enriched uranium to the United States for destruction or destroy it under international supervision.

"The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event," Trump wrote.

It remains unclear whether Trump's statement reflects a formal condition being discussed in the ongoing negotiations.

The Atomic Energy Commission referenced in Trump's statement no longer exists, having been dissolved in 1974, with its responsibilities later transferred to successor agencies.