US strikes targets in southern Iran, says actions meant to protect troops | The Jerusalem Post

The US military carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran against targets including boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites, Fox News reported on Tuesday.

“US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said.

“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” he added.

Two Iranian boats were spotted laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, reported Fox News, citing a senior US official. Forces also responded after a missile site had targeted US warplanes, said the official.

He also confirmed that the US struck a surface-to-air missile (SAM) site in Bandar Abbas, following reports of explosions in the city by Iranian media.

Other explosions were reported close to Sirik and Jask, located near the strait.

The official told Fox News that the strikes were “defensive,” while two additional sources said that the strikes do not indicate that the ceasefire with Iran is over.

Explosions were heard on Monday in various regions across the Strait of Hormuz, according to Fox.

The official said that the US strikes were “over for now.”