
The United States has announced that it has launched new military strikes in southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile bases and naval vessels that were suspected of trying to lay mines, the BBC reports.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the attacks were carried out "in self-defense" and were intended to "protect US troops from threats posed by Iranian forces."
CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said the US military "continues to defend its forces while demonstrating restraint during the ongoing ceasefire" between the two countries.
Iran has not yet officially responded to the US attacks. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said earlier that while progress had been made in talks to end the conflict, an agreement was "not imminent."
Meanwhile, it remains unclear what impact these attacks might have on efforts for a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran.
Following the attacks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal was still possible, citing meetings on Tuesday between Iran's chief negotiator, Iran's foreign minister and Qatar's prime minister.
"We'll see if we can make progress. There are a lot of discussions and exchanges on the specific wording of the initial document, so it will take a few days," Rubio said during an official visit to India.
According to him, US President Donald Trump "has expressed his desire to reach an agreement."