The USA carried out preventive strikes on Monday against targets in southern Iran. The attacks struck missile launch facilities and Iranian vessels that attempted to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
This is confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) in an official statement.
– American forces carried out self-defence strikes in southern Iran today in order to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces, said CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins, according to Fox News.
Two Iranian IRGC vessels were detected while laying mines in the strait. Both were sunk. In addition, an Iranian SAM base in Bandar Abbas was attacked after it had attempted to shoot down American warplanes.
The explosions were heard in several areas along the strait, including near Sirik and Jask. An American official confirms to Fox News that the attacks are over for the time being.
Rubio: Diplomacy gets its chance
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasises that the ceasefire with Iran has not been broken. Rubio, who was in New Delhi, said that the Trump administration is still working towards a diplomatic solution.
– We are giving diplomacy every chance to succeed before we explore the alternatives, said Rubio.
He stated that there is a proposal on the table connected to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and that this is supported by several countries in the region and internationally. Rubio simultaneously emphasised that there is a deadline for the negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
– There is a very real and significant deadline on the negotiations regarding the nuclear issue, he said.