CENTCOM: US hit Iranian missile sites, boats in defensive op

The United States military carried out what it described as “self-defence strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, May 25, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

“U.S. forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” Hawkins said.

A senior U.S. official stated that two Iranian boats were detected laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces also responded after a missile site targeted American warplanes.

According to the official, U.S. forces destroyed both vessels, identified as belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and struck a surface-to-air missile (SAM) site located in Bandar Abbas.

“These were defensive strikes,” the official told Fox News. Two additional sources emphasised that the actions do not signal the end of the ceasefire with Iran.

The developments followed reports of explosions heard on Monday, May 25, in several locations around the Strait of Hormuz. One blast was reported in Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, while others were recorded near Sirik and Jask, both situated close to the strategic waterway.

The U.S. official added that the strikes were “over for now.”

By Tamilla Hasanova