US Launches 'Self-Defence' Strikes on Iranian Missile Sites and Mine-Laying Boats Near Hormuz Amid Fragile Ceasefire and Qatar Peace Talks

New US strikes in southern Iran

United States forces conducted multiple 'self-defence' strikes overnight in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels that were attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operations, stating they were designed to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Captain Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, emphasised that the military continues to exercise restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.

CENTCOM continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.

Iranian media reported several explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, a strategic hub near the Strait of Hormuz, a global chokepoint through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes. Reports also indicated casualties following a US attack near Larak Island in the Strait, though the US military has not yet provided details on potential victims. Iran additionally claimed to have shot down an enemy stealth drone.

A fragile truce under strain

The strikes are the latest in a series of mutual violations of the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April. Earlier in May, Iran attacked US warships in the strait with missiles and speedboats, prompting US retaliatory strikes on Iranian mainland targets. The renewed violence underscores the extreme fragility of the truce, which has managed to keep the broader conflict between Washington and Tehran partially contained for several weeks but has failed to halt all hostilities.

Diplomatic push in Doha

Despite the fresh military action, diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent end to the fighting are intensifying. A high-level Iranian delegation, including the chief negotiator and foreign minister, arrived in Qatar for talks with the Qatari prime minister. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during an official visit to India, said an agreement is still possible and that discussions are focused on the specific wording of an initial document, a process he expects will take several days.

We'll see if we can make progress. I think there is a broad exchange of views on some specific points of the initial document, so it will take a few days.

Rubio added that President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to reach a deal. The proposed agreement is reported to include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of sanctions on Iran, but would leave the contentious nuclear issue for a later phase, drawing criticism from several Republican senators allied with Trump.

Cautious expectations from Tehran and Washington

Both sides have moved to dampen expectations of a rapid breakthrough. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged some progress in the negotiations but stressed that a deal is not 'imminent'. President Trump has also sent mixed signals, initially stating on Saturday that an agreement was 'largely negotiated', before instructing his representatives on Sunday not to rush into a deal, and declaring on Monday that there would only be a great deal for everyone or no deal at all.

Progress has been made in the negotiations, but that does not mean a deal is imminent.

Strategic and economic stakes

The Strait of Hormuz remains the central strategic flashpoint. Rubio insisted the waterway must remain open 'one way or another', describing Iranian actions there as unlawful and unacceptable for the world. The economic implications are significant, though oil prices remained below $100 per barrel despite the news of fresh strikes. The outcome of the Doha talks is now uncertain, with the latest military action casting a shadow over the diplomatic track.