On Monday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced that American military forces launched “defensive strikes” in southern Iran. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve tensions between the United States, Israel, and Tehran.
These military actions were aimed at safeguarding U.S. personnel from threats posed by Iranian forces, particularly regarding attempts by Iranian boats to deploy mines and establish missile launch sites, according to Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Centcom, as reported by The Hill.
“U.S. Central Command remains committed to protecting our forces while exercising restraint during the current ceasefire,” Hawkins stated.
Earlier in the day, Reuters noted reports of explosions in the city of Bandar Abbas and surrounding coastal areas near the strategic Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.
Since April 7, the U.S. and Iran have maintained a ceasefire. Although there have been a few minor incidents over the past month, none have breached the ceasefire agreement.
A memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washingon has emerged, though it has not been finalized. If agreed to, the Strait of Hormuz would open to allow roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil to flow once again and all hostilities would end.
Global gas prices have skyrocketed since the conflict erupted in late February. The national average for gas in the U.S. is $4.50 as of Monday, according to AAA.
President Trump on Monday said negotiations were “proceeding nicely,” describing the possible agreement as “a Great Deal for all.” He later suggested two outcomes for Iran’s enriched uranium.
“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 on Truth Social.
Trump and administration officials have long maintained that Iran must not create or possess nuclear weapons. The regime has insisted that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
Filip Timotija contributed to this report. Updated at 8:20 p.m. EDT