The United States said it conducted what it described as defensive strikes in southern Iran on Monday (25 May), targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
\u201cUS forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,\u201d CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement, after being asked about reports of explosions around the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
\u201cTargets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (26 May) that reaching a deal with Iran could \u201ctake a few days\u201d. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump suggested that the two sides were close to an agreement, although he later said he had instructed negotiators \u201cnot to rush into\u201d a deal. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Monday (25 May), Rubio had said: \u201cWe thought we might have some news last night. Maybe today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both sides had indicated progress on a memorandum of understanding that could halt the war and allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels have been threatened by Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards. The memorandum would give negotiators a further 60 days to resolve more complex issues, including Iran\u2019s nuclear programme.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in comments posted on his Telegram channel to mark the annual hajj pilgrimage, Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader said: \u201cThe clock cannot be turned back, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer be a shield for American bases.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom now on, the slogans \u2018Death to America\u2019 and \u2018Death to Israel\u2019 will be the slogans of the Islamic nation and the oppressed people of the world, especially the youth,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n