US Hits Iranian Missile Sites, Boats Near Hormuz Amid Qatar Talks

The United States carried out fresh military strikes on targets in southern Iran on Monday, hitting missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz even as Iranian officials traveled to Qatar for negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. US Central Command described the action as self-defense measures to protect American troops from Iranian threats, but provided few specifics on the locations or scale of the operation. Iranian state media reported explosions in the area around Bandar Abbas, roughly 70 kilometers from the strategic waterway.

The strikes occurred despite a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire that has been in place since early April. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that substantial progress had been made in resolving differences with Washington, though he cautioned that a final agreement remained distant. Iranian negotiators, including the top envoy and foreign minister, met with Qatar's prime minister in Doha on Tuesday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing nuclear issues.

US officials framed the military action as limited and necessary. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, speaking for Central Command, said the targets included sites used for missile launches and vessels attempting to place mines. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, traveling in India, told reporters that the waterway must remain open regardless of the outcome, describing any interference as unlawful and unsustainable. He added that negotiations could still advance in the coming days, with discussions focused on specific wording in draft documents.

Iranian authorities responded by asserting their right to defend against violations of the truce. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported downing a US drone and engaging another aircraft and drone that entered Iranian airspace, though timing details were not released. Tehran has maintained that it possesses a legitimate basis to respond to any renewed American attacks.

The timing of the strikes has drawn attention given the parallel diplomatic efforts. President Donald Trump posted on social media that talks were proceeding well but warned that failure could lead to a return to intensified fighting. Rubio echoed a similar stance, stating that Washington would pursue diplomacy fully before considering alternative approaches. Earlier reports suggested the outline of an agreement was largely in place, covering both the nuclear file and access through the Strait.

The conflict, now in its third month, has already disrupted global energy supplies and contributed to higher prices worldwide. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for oil shipments, and any prolonged closure would compound existing shortages. US actions in the region since the April ceasefire have included the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel and previous exchanges of fire, each side accusing the other of initiating hostilities.

Iranian officials have signaled willingness to reach a time-limited arrangement on enrichment issues while insisting on security guarantees. The latest US strikes, conducted under the banner of restraint during an active truce, raise questions about whether Washington is fully committed to the diplomatic track or using military pressure to extract further concessions. Both sides continue to exchange messages through intermediaries as the situation remains fluid.