On May 25, 2026, American military forces conducted strikes in southern Iran. U.S. Central Command described them as ‘self-defense strikes’ meant to protect U.S. troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
The strikes targeted missile sites and Iranian boats attempting to place mines, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for Central Command. He emphasized the strikes were carried out while maintaining restraint during the ongoing cease-fire. Captain Hawkins did not disclose details regarding the ships that came under attack, their locations, or the precise targets of the U.S. strikes.
A senior U.S. military official stated that Iranian surface-to-air missiles were threatening nearly two dozen U.S. Navy warships. These included two aircraft carriers and their escort vessels stationed in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. These forces were enforcing a blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. The U.S. strikes reportedly occurred near Bandar Abbas, known as a major port and Iranian navy base.
Skirmishes between American and Iranian forces have occurred since the cease-fire began about six weeks ago. Monday’s strikes coincided with Iranian negotiators arriving in Qatar for discussions on ending the war. These negotiations aim to reach an agreement that President Trump suggested could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, relieving a significant energy disruption.
The presence of Iranian missile batteries targeting U.S. Navy ships was not unexpected. This was despite repeated claims from President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other military leaders that the 38-day American-Israeli military campaign had significantly weakened Iran’s combat capabilities.
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