Washington: U.S. forces have initiated a new military offensive in southern Iran, focusing on Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near the port city of Bandar Abbas, as an act of self-defense. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the execution of air strikes and missile attacks on key targets in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the offensive targeted Iranian missile launch sites and small warships that were attempting to lay mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The operation resulted in the interception and sinking of two Iranian ships belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by the U.S. military. In response, the Iranian military launched surface-to-air missiles at U.S. fighter jets, prompting further attacks on Iranian missile facilities around Bandar Abbas. The U.S. Department of Defense emphasized that the operation was conducted to safeguard troops and secure vital shipping lanes in the area.
Iranian local media reported multiple explosions east of Bandar Abbas, specifically in the areas of Qalarak, Sirik, and Jask. The incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least four Iranian officials. The tensions have temporarily stalled the progress of a peace agreement, despite earlier optimistic remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a potential memorandum of understanding with Iran.
President Donald Trump communicated via social media that the U.S. is not in a hurry to finalize a deal unless conditions are favorable. He issued an ultimatum to Iran to either transfer all enriched uranium to the U.S. or destroy it under international supervision. Trump also expressed his intent to encourage other Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, to join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the peace conditions. He suggested that Iran could join this global alliance if a new peace agreement with the United States is reached.
Esmail Baghei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that although there has been significant progress in negotiations, finalizing an agreement is not imminent due to substantial disagreements over the terms and conditions. He refuted reports of Iran's agreement to export uranium. Meanwhile, a high-level Iranian delegation is in Doha, meeting with the Qatari government to draft a potential peace agreement and seek an end to the conflict that has persisted for over three months.