US strikes targets in southern Iran, says actions meant to protect troops
Key Points:
- The US military conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz and a missile launch site, according to Fox News and a US Central Command spokesperson.
- Two Iranian vessels linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were destroyed after being spotted laying mines, and a surface-to-air missile site in Bandar Abbas was also struck following attacks on US warplanes.
- Explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask, areas near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian media confirming blasts in the region.
- US Central Command emphasized that the strikes were defensive actions to protect US forces and stated that the ongoing ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite the incidents.
- The US maintains it is exercising restraint while defending its troops amid heightened tensions in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.