US Launches Attack in Iran Amid Ongoing Ceasefire
News Summary
Reviewed and Edited.
- Amid an ongoing ceasefire, the US military launched a new assault targeting missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city in Iran.
- The US Central Command stated the attack was conducted in self-defense to protect its personnel.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that despite the attack, prospects for a peace agreement between the two countries remain possible.
May 25 (Kathmandu) – Amid a continuing ceasefire, the US military has carried out a new attack in southern Iran.
According to the US forces, the strike targeted areas where Iranian missiles were positioned as well as boats attempting to lay naval mines.
The US Central Command described the assault as an act of self-defense during the ongoing ceasefire to ensure the safety of its forces. Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins emphasized that the US military is exercising restraint while safeguarding its personnel.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai stated that while talks between the US and Iran have made some progress, a comprehensive peace agreement is not imminent, noting that the US launched the attack amid these negotiations.
Captain Hawkins further detailed that the attack took place near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, a naval base situated at the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Iranian state media reported local authorities investigating explosions heard in Bandar Abbas.
Iran has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. It remains unclear how this event will impact the potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.
Following the attack, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a peace deal remains feasible.
Visiting India, Rubio told reporters, “There is potential for progress. Discussions are ongoing regarding the language of the preliminary agreement, so it may take some time.”
He added that US President Donald Trump is committed to finalizing an agreement and emphasized the policy that if a solid deal is not reached, no agreement will be made.
Over the weekend, Trump indicated that both the US and Iran were approaching a peace agreement but later cautioned negotiators not to rush. Rubio also suggested that an agreement might be finalized by Monday.
However, Iranian spokesman Baghai noted, “While it is true that we are close on many contentious issues, it cannot be said that the agreement will be concluded immediately.”
The preliminary memorandum under negotiation includes plans for extending the ceasefire for 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for navigation, and further talks on Iran’s nuclear program.