Fresh uncertainty surrounded efforts to end the Middle East conflict after the United States launched new military strikes inside Iran despite an ongoing ceasefire between the two countries.
According to US Central Command, American forces targeted missile launch sites in southern Iran and vessels allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The US described the attacks as “self-defence strikes” aimed at protecting American troops from perceived threats posed by Iranian forces.
Explosions were reported near the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas around midnight local time. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB confirmed the blasts but said authorities were still investigating the cause while the situation remained under control.
The latest strikes came as senior Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for another round of talks aimed at securing a broader agreement to end the conflict that has disrupted regional stability and global energy markets since late February.
The renewed military action has raised concerns over the future of the fragile ceasefire that took effect on 8 April. It also cast doubt on hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route affected by Iranian restrictions and US naval operations.
Oil prices reacted sharply to the developments. While Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate initially fluctuated, investors remained cautious over potential disruptions to global fuel supplies.
US President Donald Trump further complicated diplomacy by insisting that Iran surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium for destruction under international supervision. He also renewed calls for several Muslim-majority countries to join the Abraham Accords as part of any future regional peace agreement involving Israel.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, adding further pressure to already delicate negotiations.
Although diplomats from both sides acknowledged progress in discussions, Iranian officials said several key issues remained unresolved and denied that a final agreement was imminent.
