U.S. military says 'defensive strikes' carried out in southern Iran

May 25 (UPI) -- The United States launched strikes in southern Iran on Monday even as negotiators for Tehran and Washington were preparing for further talks to end their war, a U.S. military spokesman said.

Capt. Tim Hawkins of the U.S. Central Command said in a statement issued to media outlets that the strikes were "self-defensive" in nature and were carried out "to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces."

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

The semi-official Mehr News Agency in Iran reported that "several explosions" were heard in the area of Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz and that civil defense sirens had been sounding there.

The agency the situation in the city "is completely under control and there is no reason for any concern for the honorable people of Bandar Abbas."

The announcement came only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely," but also issued a warning that the war could reignite if a deal isn't reached.

Iran, meanwhile, confirmed some progress has been made but cautioned that no agreement is on the verge of being signed.

This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 5:41 PM.