US Conducts 'Self-Defense' Strikes Against Iran: What We Know...

The United States has conducted "self-defense" strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels trying to establish mines, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). In a statement to Newsweek, Captain Tim Hawkins, CENTCOM spokesman, said, "U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. 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," the statement concluded. The strikes come as President Donald Trump said Monday on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran are "proceeding nicely!" Trump added in part, "It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that!" He also said that certain countries in the Middle East should "sign onto the Abraham Accords," citing work done by the United States "to try and pull this very complex puzzle together." This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.