The U.S. launched new strikes against Iranian targets as diplomats from Washington and Tehran arrived in Qatar for negotiations to end the war, Reuters reported.
Explosions were heard near a key port and logistics hub in the city of Bandar Abbas, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media. The strikes landed while Iranian negotiators were landing in Qatar to continue talks to open the Strait of Hormuz and end the war.
“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesman, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”
“Peace Through Strength,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social immediately after the new strikes on Iran took place.
‘Take A Few Days’
Negotiating a deal with Iran could “take a few days,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
As the war continues, the price of crude oil futures remains high at nearly $94, according to the CNBC WTI Crude tracker. Although it is not currently trending upwards.
As these strikes take place, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Force has plans to intensify its offensive action against Lebanon. The most recent phase of the Israel-Lebanon war has been raging since April 8, when Israel launched an intense bombardment of Lebanese residential areas in Beirut.
The Israel Defense Force is also beginning a new ground operation past the previously indicated “yellow line,” Reuters reported, citing Israeli media.