U.S. forces conducted a series of "self-defense" strikes in southern Iran on Monday. According to a statement from the U.S. Central Command, the operations were carried out to protect U.S. troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
The strikes targeted missile launch sites near a major Iranian port that threatened U.S. ships, as well as boats attempting to emplace mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Local reports indicate that U.S. and Israeli jets struck a number of Iranian vessels during the operation.
These military actions took place as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha, Qatar, for talks to end a months-long war. The strikes come despite previous suggestions from President Donald Trump that negotiations over an interim deal were progressing and a fragile ceasefire that began on April 8.
The new U.S. military action threatens to complicate the shaky ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the military to increase strikes against Hezbollah.