US forces strike Iranian missile launch sites, mine-laying boats
Washington, May 26
The US military struck missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran on Monday, according to the US Central Command.
"US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.
"Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," he said.
The strikes threatened an already fragile ceasefire that began April 8 as the United States and Iran struggle to reach an accord to end a war that has rattled the global economy with a severe disruption of energy flows.
Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite the US Navy enforcing a blockade on Iran's ports.
Last week, US Central Command said the naval blockade on Iran had redirected 100 vessels and disabled four.
The blockade is "allowing zero trade into and out of Iranian ports, which has squeezed Iran economically", CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Monday said negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely" and called for several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader regional settlement.
In an extended Truth Social post, Trump said the talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran could either result in a "Great Deal for all" or risk renewed conflict.
"It will only be a Great Deal for all or no Deal at all - Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before - And nobody wants that!" Trump wrote.
The remarks came after Trump announced over the weekend that a broad regional understanding involving Iran and multiple countries in the Middle East and South Asia was nearing finalisation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The blockade is "squeezing Iran economically," but who's getting squeezed here? Our fuel prices are already sky-high. I wish India would take a more independent stance instead of just aligning with whoever is loudest. The ceasefire was fragile, now it's broken. 😞
Trump calling for Saudi, Qatar, and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords while striking Iranian boats—classic mix of diplomacy and force. But for India, this means uncertainty. We rely on stable Gulf energy and diaspora workers. Every strike risks a spiral that hits home.
Honestly, this feels like a never-ending cycle. Iran puts mines, US strikes, ceasefire teeters—everyone loses except arms dealers. India should be organising a neutral mediation effort, not just reacting. Our strategic autonomy means nothing if we stay quiet. 🇮🇳
"Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before"—that's not diplomacy, that's a threat. Trump's bluffing again, but India can't afford to gamble on sabre-rattling. We need stable energy routes and regional peace, not more fireworks. 😤
Interesting that Trump mentions Pakistan in the Abraham Accords expansion—could that be a hedge for India too? But these strikes undermine any trust. As an Indian watching this, I feel like we're caught between a superpower and a regional giant. Not a comfortable place. 😕
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.