US CENTCOM Conducts Self-Defense Strikes Against Iranian Assets in Gulf
U.S. Central Command carried out targeted airstrikes on May 25, 2026, against Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in the southern Persian Gulf. Captain Tim Hawkins stated the strikes were necessary to protect U.S. troops from immediate threats despite an ongoing regional ceasefire. Iran's Foreign Ministry subsequently accused the United States of violating the ceasefire terms in the Hormozgan province, further complicating high-stakes nuclear and maritime negotiations currently involving President Trump.