U.S. forces conducted a series of self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats that officials say were preparing to lay naval mines, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command on Sunday.
CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said the action was taken to protect U.S. personnel amid heightened regional tensions. The targets included missile launch sites and vessels assessed to be positioning mines in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor.
The strikes follow multiple recent incidents in which Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and small boats toward U.S. Navy destroyers operating in the region. U.S. forces intercepted the incoming threats, and no American ships were hit.
Explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Sirik, and Jask during the period of increased military activity, according to regional reporting. A surface-to-air missile site in Bandar Abbas was also struck, U.S. officials told reporters.
CENTCOM said the United States does not seek escalation but will continue to take defensive action when U.S. forces are threatened. Officials described the latest strikes as limited and concluded “for now.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of tension as U.S. and Iranian forces continue operating in close proximity during a fragile regional ceasefire.
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Sources
- Reuters
- Times Now
- Fox News
- Yahoo News
- CENTCOM