US forces launched new strikes on missile sites in southern Iran and boats attempting to lay mines on Monday, imperiling a fragile ceasefire and casting fresh doubt on ongoing negotiations to end the Middle East war.
The US Central Command said the self-defense operations in southern Iran were conducted on Monday to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Captain Tim Hawkins, the spokesperson for US Central Command, stated the strikes targeted missile launch facilities and vessels trying to emplace mines, though additional attack details were not immediately disclosed.
The strikes came as senior Iranian negotiators convened in Doha to discuss the cessation of hostilities with the United States, despite both parties downplaying the likelihood of a swift agreement. The ongoing conflict ignited by a US-Israeli offensive that began February 28 continues, moderated by a ceasefire that started April 8.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Tehran was still possible despite the military strikes, noting the US and Iran have a “pretty solid thing” regarding a potential peace agreement. However, Rubio warned that “alternatives” would be considered if diplomatic avenues fail.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran and Washington have made progress on numerous issues concerning a potential peace agreement but clarified that claims of an imminent signing are premature. The US Casualties strikes threaten the ceasefire and cast new doubt on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where an Iranian blockade has disrupted global fuel supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to “crush” Hezbollah, the Iran-supported group in Lebanon, announcing he directed the military to escalate operations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has launched drone strikes against northern Israel, damaging a residence and bus stop, while the Israeli military retaliated by targeting infrastructure sites in the Tyre region.
President Donald Trump outlined his conditions for a comprehensive Middle East agreement, requiring enriched uranium to be turned over to the United States and destroyed, preferably in conjunction with the International Energy Commission. He also insisted that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Bahrain, and Jordan must endorse the Abraham Accords.
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