The United States conducted military strikes against Iranian targets in the Persian Gulf region on Monday as diplomatic talks aimed at ending regional conflict continued in Qatar.
American forces targeted missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to deploy mines in southern Iran, according to U.S. Central Command. The strikes were characterized as defensive measures to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian military forces.
What Happened
U.S. military aircraft and Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers, carried out the strikes near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas. “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson.
The operation occurred as Iranian surface-to-air missiles targeted American vessels operating in the region. The strikes marked the latest military confrontation since a cease-fire took effect approximately six weeks prior.
Diplomatic Developments
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international commerce. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” Rubio said during a visit to India, calling Iranian actions in the waterway “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said negotiators had reached conclusions on numerous issues. “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei stated, though he cautioned that a final agreement remained pending.
Nuclear Deal Terms
A senior administration official indicated Iran has agreed to eliminate highly enriched uranium as part of any final agreement. The U.S. would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ease economic sanctions in exchange for Iran’s commitment to limit nuclear enrichment.
The Trump administration has signaled satisfaction with negotiating progress. Officials stated that enforcement mechanisms for any enrichment restrictions would prove more rigorous than provisions in the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.
“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said regarding the negotiations. “The president expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.
