The United States has launched military strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The attacks, described as defensive, test the seven-week-old ceasefire between the two nations. Despite the escalation, both sides downplayed hopes for an imminent peace deal as Iranian negotiators arrived in Qatar for new talks.
Strikes and Casualties
Centcom spokesman Navy Captain Tim Hawkins stated that the strikes were defensive in nature and did not signal the end of the ceasefire. “Centcom continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” he said. In Iran, the news website Tabnak, close to former Revolutionary Guard chief Mohsen Rezaei, reported that four Guard troops were killed in the strikes on boats. Iranian state television also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, a strategic city on the Strait of Hormuz that houses a military port and a dual-use airport. The Iranian state news agency Mehr later said the situation was “completely under control,” urging residents not to worry.
Negotiations in Qatar
The strikes occurred as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, led a delegation to Qatar. The group included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, whose presence fueled speculation that talks would focus on releasing frozen Iranian assets. The proposed deal reportedly involves the US unfreezing some Iranian assets held in banks outside Iran, including in Qatar. However, Trump has faced criticism from Republican loyalists who fear the deal resembles the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration, which Trump withdrew from.
Key Issues in Negotiations
The memorandum of understanding being discussed would see Iran restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but would exclude nuclear issues. Nuclear negotiations would follow within 30 to 60 days after any initial agreement. Trump has emphasized that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is his primary goal, and he faces pressure to include a commitment from Iran to dispose of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. On Monday, Trump offered a concession, suggesting that enriched uranium could be destroyed inside Iran under international supervision. This marks a potential compromise, as Iran had previously refused to transfer its stockpile to the US or Russia.
Strait of Hormuz and Regional Dynamics
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows, is urgent for the Trump administration ahead of midterm elections and amid voter anger over rising costs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a deal is still possible, saying the strait would open “one way or another.” Iran has proposed that future management of the strait be agreed upon with Oman, and that “fees for navigational services” could be imposed.
Trump’s Warnings and Iran’s Demands
On Truth Social, Trump said talks with Iran were going “nicely” but warned of fresh attacks if they failed. “It will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all,” he wrote. Iran insists that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be included in the memorandum. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intensified strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a mid-April ceasefire that Israel says allows self-defensive actions against the Iran-backed militia.
