US launches self-defense strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats near Hormuz

The U.S. military struck Iranian missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, U.S. Central Command confirmed, even as a ceasefire between the two countries remains in place and negotiations to end the war continue.

“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins said in a statement to CNN. “Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines.”

The strikes raise an immediate question: what does a ceasefire actually mean if both sides are still shooting? Hawkins insisted CENTCOM is “using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” but kinetic action against Iranian territory during active diplomacy is a significant escalation in framing, regardless of the justification.

This is a developing story.