The United States military carried out an airstrike in southern Iran, according to reports from a major US broadcaster cited by Al Jazeera. US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins told Fox News that the strike was entirely defensive, aimed at protecting American troops from what he described as a direct threat from Iranian forces. The operation reportedly targeted two main objectives: missile launch facilities inside Iran and Iranian naval vessels attempting to lay mines in the Persian Gulf or nearby waters.

Iranian local media confirmed the occurrence of the strike, reporting loud explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that the situation in the area was now under full control. Hawkins added that the US military was maintaining maximum restraint during an ongoing ceasefire period while continuing to safeguard its forces.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the sudden US strike amid an existing ceasefire could heighten regional tensions in the Middle East.