US strikes Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz, calls it 'self-defence'

The United States Central Command said US forces carried out “self-defence strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing ceasefire.

Explosions were reported earlier in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, with Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency saying the situation was under control.

“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN.

“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,” he added.

Fox News earlier quoted Hawkins as saying the strikes were carried out to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

The latest military action comes despite ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Washington and Tehran.

According to US officials, American and Iranian forces have exchanged fire previously during the ceasefire period.