By Our Correspondent

National News – The United States has carried out fresh military strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation, confirmed by the US Central Command on Monday, was described as a self-defence action aimed at protecting American troops and securing vital shipping routes in the Gulf region.

The strikes reportedly focused on areas near Bandar Abbas, a strategic Iranian port city that hosts a major naval base.

Iranian state media confirmed explosions were heard in the area, while local authorities launched investigations into the incident.

According to US officials, the military action comes amid rising tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

The US accused Iranian forces of threatening international shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it shot down a US drone and engaged another American aircraft that allegedly entered Iranian airspace.

Tehran also warned it reserved the right to retaliate against any violation of the ceasefire agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said diplomatic talks with Iran were still ongoing, although negotiations remained difficult.

He noted that discussions involving Iranian officials and Qatar’s leadership were focused on extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz fully.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also issued a strong warning, declaring that the Middle East would no longer serve as a safe zone for American military bases.

The latest conflict follows months of hostilities triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.

Analysts fear the renewed attacks could further delay efforts to reach a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.