US launches fresh strikes in southern Iran, raising fears for peace talks

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Iran, targeting drone-launch facilities and boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines, in a move that threatened to further strain fragile ceasefire and negotiation efforts between the two countries, 24NewsHD TV reported on Wednesday. 

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were conducted as “self-defense” operations to protect American troops from what it described as threats posed by Iranian forces.

The military said the targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to place mines near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said US forces were continuing to act with restraint despite ongoing tensions and the fragile ceasefire in the region.

Reports by CNN said the operation was carried out after American forces assessed that Iranian military activity posed a direct threat to US troops and naval assets in the area.

Iranian media, meanwhile, claimed the country’s Revolutionary Guards shot down a US MQ-9 drone and opened fire on an American F-35 fighter jet.

An Iranian military spokesperson warned Washington against violating the ceasefire and said Tehran reserved the right to respond to any breach by US forces.

Explosions were earlier reported near the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, though Iranian media later said the situation was under control and there was no cause for public concern.

The latest escalation comes as indirect negotiations and diplomatic contacts aimed at reducing tensions and reopening commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz remain underway.

Analysts say the strikes could complicate already fragile efforts to secure a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran.