US launches 'self-defense strikes' in southern Iran

The US military carried out "self-defense strikes" in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM), Report informs.

"US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," Captain Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, said.

"Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," Hawkins said.

According to a senior US official, two Iranian boats were spotted laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while forces also responded after a missile site had targeted US warplanes.

The US military eliminated both IRGC vessels and also struck the SAM, or surface-to-air missile, site in Bandar Abbas.

"These were defensive strikes," the official told Fox News. The strikes do not indicate the ceasefire with Iran is over, two additional sources said.

This came after explosions were heard on Monday in various regions across the Strait of Hormuz, with one explosion heard in Iran's Bandar Abbas in the country's south.

Other explosions were reported close to Sirik and Jask near the strategic waterway. The official confirmed Monday that the US strikes were "over for now."