The U.S. struck Iranian missile sites despite the ceasefire – CNN
U.S. forces carried out a series of strikes on targets in southern Iran, despite the current ceasefire. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the targets were missile launch sites and boats that, according to their reports, were attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington claims that the actions were defensive in nature and aimed at protecting shipping.
CNN reports on this.
CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins confirmed the strikes on Monday, May 25. “U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes in southern Iran to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to lay mines,” he said. “CENTCOM continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint under the current ceasefire,” the spokesperson added.
This is not the first exchange of fire during the formal ceasefire. In early May, the U.S. struck Iranian port facilities after Iranian forces attacked three American destroyers with missiles, drones, and boats as they transited the Strait of Hormuz.
Today’s strikes come amid active diplomatic efforts. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while visiting New Delhi, stated that Washington and Tehran are moving toward signing a memorandum of understanding—a document that will extend the ceasefire and lay the groundwork for “real, serious negotiations” regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
However, the finalization of the document is being held up by two fundamental disagreements: the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium and the conditions for lifting sanctions. The U.S. side adheres to the “no uranium, no dollars” formula: no financial concessions to Tehran until it disposes of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington has no intention of rushing to conclude an agreement with Iran, despite progress in the negotiations.
Iranian state media reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement regarding alleged agreements on opening the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “incomplete and untrue.”
The U.S. reacted strongly to Iran’s plans to introduce a toll system for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that this is unacceptable and could derail any negotiations. Washington considers this strategic waterway critically important and will not allow Tehran to exert commercial or political control over it.
As a reminder, Cuba has restored its power grid following a massive blackout.
Trump also confirmed the U.S. intention to intervene in Cuba.
