US launches 'self-defense' strikes on Iranian missile and mining sites near Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire talks continue

Explosions reported across southern Iran

Multiple explosions were heard late Monday night in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas and nearby coastal areas including Sirik, Jask, and Qeshm Island, according to Iranian state and semi-official media. The Tasnim news agency reported three distinct blasts in Bandar Abbas, while Fars noted similar sounds near Sirik and Jask along the Strait of Hormuz. State television also reported incidents on Qeshm Island. The Mehr news agency stated the situation in Bandar Abbas was under control and there was no cause for alarm, though official Iranian sources initially declined to comment on the cause.

CENTCOM confirms 'self-defense' operation

Shortly after the explosions were reported, US Central Command spokesperson Timothy Hawkins confirmed American forces had conducted strikes in southern Iran.

US forces conducted self-defense strikes today in southern Iran to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

Hawkins specified that targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to place mines. He added that CENTCOM continues to defend American forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. The operation also responded to what appeared to be a missile position targeting US combat aircraft, according to a Trump administration source cited by Fox News.

IRGC activates air defenses

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed three explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and later reported another loud noise near the city's airport. According to an IRGC statement, Iran's air defense systems in Bandar Abbas were activated to counter hostile targets. Bandar Abbas hosts one of Iran's most important naval bases and its largest port complex, including Shahid Rajaee port, through which much of the country's imports and exports flow. The city sits on the Persian Gulf coast near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil.

Ceasefire diplomacy continues in Doha

1. May 1, 2026US forces target Iranian military facilities after 'unprovoked' missile, drone, and boat attacks on American warships transiting the strait
2. May 25, 2026Trump says Iran 'will never obtain' a nuclear weapon and insists enriched uranium reserves be handed to the US for destruction
3. May 25, 11:00 PMExplosions reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, and Qeshm Island; IRGC activates air defense systems
4. May 26, 2026CENTCOM confirms US self-defense strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and mining vessels in southern Iran

The strikes occurred against a backdrop of intensified diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran. Iranian representatives are in Doha, Qatar, for talks mediated by regional countries aimed at consolidating the truce and fully reopening maritime routes. The White House has expressed confidence that a deal could be concluded in the coming days, though Tehran stated on Monday that a signing is not imminent. An Iranian Foreign Ministry source said that while conclusions have been reached on many issues under discussion, that does not mean an agreement is imminent.

Nuclear question deferred, drawing Republican criticism

The emerging agreement reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting sanctions on Iran, but leaves the nuclear issue for a later phase — a concession that has drawn criticism from several Republican senators allied with Trump. The president sought to calm concerns on Monday, stating that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon. He later insisted on Truth Social that Iran's enriched uranium reserves would be handed over to the United States for destruction. Trump also conditioned a US ceasefire signature on countries including Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey normalizing relations with Israel.

Pattern of clashes during truce

American and Iranian forces have exchanged fire multiple times during the ceasefire period. In early May, US forces targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for what were described as unprovoked attacks using missiles, drones, and small boats against American warships transiting the strait. President Trump had previously authorized US forces to respond to Iranian provocations around the Strait of Hormuz.