Iran has accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire after American fighter jets carried out strikes in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. The incident has further increased tensions at a time when indirect negotiations between the two countries remain underway.
On Monday, US Central Command confirmed that American forces had launched what it described as “self-defense strikes” targeting missile positions and naval vessels. Washington claimed the targeted Iranian units were preparing to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Iranian media reported that several speedboats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy were hit during the operation. At least three Iranian sailors were reportedly killed in what has been described as the largest direct military confrontation between Iran and the US since strikes carried out in southern Iran earlier this year.
Following the attacks, IRGC Aerospace Force commander Seyyed Majid Mousavi accused Washington of breaking the ceasefire agreement reached on April 8. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Mousavi described the incident as another act of aggression by what he called a “treacherous enemy.”
He warned that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further attacks and said the IRGC stands ready to carry out orders from the country’s leadership.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes, calling them a “gross violation” of the ceasefire. Tehran said the US would bear full responsibility for the consequences of what it described as unjustified and aggressive actions.
The strikes occurred while diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions were still continuing. American officials had recently suggested that negotiations with Iran were close to a breakthrough after weeks of disagreements over sanctions, Tehran’s nuclear program, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, returned from meetings with Qatari mediators in Doha on Tuesday. However, the future of the talks remains uncertain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a final agreement could still take several more days, while President Donald Trump reiterated Washington’s demand that Iran give up its stockpile of enriched uranium — a condition Tehran has repeatedly rejected.