US Conducts Fresh Military Operation in Southern Iran as Diplomatic Efforts Continue

The United States military has confirmed a new series of operations targeting strategic locations in southern Iran, focusing on missile installations and Iranian naval vessels allegedly involved in deploying sea mines.

According to the US Central Command, the action was carried out as a defensive measure aimed at safeguarding American troops from potential threats posed by Iranian forces during the fragile regional ceasefire.

Pentagon Says Strikes Were Defensive

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated that American forces remain committed to protecting military personnel while still exercising caution throughout the ongoing truce.

The attacks reportedly struck areas close to Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port city that hosts an important naval facility positioned along the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Iranian state-controlled media earlier reported loud explosions in the region, adding that local authorities had begun investigations into the incident.

Iran Yet to Officially Respond

Iranian officials have not yet issued a direct response to the latest American military action. Analysts believe the strikes could complicate the already delicate negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding a possible long-term settlement.

Despite the escalation, diplomatic communication between both sides reportedly remains active.

Marco Rubio Says Agreement Still Possible

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions between American and Iranian representatives are continuing, with Qatar also playing a mediating role in the negotiations.

Speaking during an official visit to India, Rubio explained that both parties are still reviewing specific wording and conditions within the preliminary agreement draft.

He emphasized that President Donald Trump remains interested in securing a favorable deal but would reject any agreement that fails to meet US expectations.

Iran Says Final Deal Not Close Yet

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged that progress had been achieved on several disputed matters, but stressed that a finalized agreement was still far from complete.

Reports suggest the current proposal under discussion may include:

• An extension of the 60-day ceasefire
• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted shipping
• Further negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear activities

Leadership Crisis Slowing Negotiations

American media outlets have reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently operating from a secret location after reportedly suffering injuries during an earlier Israeli airstrike that killed his father and predecessor.

Sources claim communication difficulties between Khamenei and Iranian negotiators have slowed the pace of diplomatic talks.

Nuclear Programme Remains Central Issue

One of the most sensitive areas of disagreement continues to be Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.

Western intelligence estimates suggest Iran previously possessed nearly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity — technically close to weapons-grade material required for nuclear weapons production.

President Trump recently stated that the enriched uranium should either be transferred immediately to US control or destroyed inside Iran under international supervision.

Ceasefire Holds Despite Rising Tensions

Although tensions remain high, both Iranian and American forces have largely observed a ceasefire since early April.

Iran continues maintaining tight oversight of maritime activity in the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy has expanded pressure operations around Iranian ports.

Background of the Conflict

The current regional conflict began after coordinated military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets on 28 February. Iran later responded with retaliatory attacks against Israel and several Gulf nations aligned with Washington.

The confrontation also triggered major disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, causing sharp increases in global oil prices and raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.