U.S. Strikes Iranian Targets as Fragile Hormuz Talks Continue

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that the U.S. military carried out self-defense strikes in southern Iran, targeting boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, aimed at protecting U.S. troops from Iranian threats, followed ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran, which President Donald Trump described as proceeding nicely in a Truth Social post. Iranian state-run Nour News reported several Iranian personnel were killed, though details remained scarce. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reopening of international internet access after a near-90-day blackout, signaling potential progress in U.S.-Iran talks. The move, confirmed by Iranian state media, came as tensions persisted, with unconfirmed reports of a missile strike on Bandar Abbas airport runway and explosions in the area. Meanwhile, Iran demanded an end to hostilities against its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of any U.S. agreement, according to Axios, which cited a draft deal. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify attacks on Hezbollah following drone and rocket incidents near its border. Iran’s National Security Committee Chairman insisted no meaningful progress could be made without five U.S. confidence-building measures, including ending the war in Lebanon, lifting sanctions, ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, suspending oil sanctions, and releasing Iran’s frozen funds. The conflicting actions—military strikes, internet reopening, and stalled talks—highlight the fragile state of negotiations.