U.S. Conducts 'Self-Defense Strikes' on Iran as Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
The U.S. military carried out strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats in southern Iran on May 26, while officials say they are close to a peace deal. Iran's military warned it has a 'legitimate right' to respond, though it's unclear how the attacks will affect the existing ceasefire.
Military Strike Amid Peace Talks
U.S. Central Command spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN that 'U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,' with targets including missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it has a 'legitimate' right to respond to any 'violation' of the ceasefire.
Ceasefire Status and Nuclear Concerns
The U.S. and Iran are working toward a memorandum of understanding, but disputes over language concerning Iran's nuclear program and sanctions have held up a deal. Iran's nuclear stockpile and enrichment capabilities were on the agenda when a Tehran delegation met Qatari mediators for 'generally positive' talks in Doha on Monday. Iran and the United States have signaled they are closing in on an agreement to turn the existing ceasefire that ended weeks of heavy bombing into a longer-lasting settlement.
Broader Context of Tensions
U.S. and Iranian forces have previously exchanged fire during the ceasefire, with U.S. forces targeting Iranian military facilities in early May responsible for launching a series of 'unprovoked' missile, drone and small boat attacks against American warships transiting the strait. With each passing day, Iranian and U.S. officials are raising their demands, hostilities are flaring between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, and civilians are being killed — raising the stakes of tenuous negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Internet Restoration in Iran
Internet activity in Iran has been partially restored after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered authorities to restore internet access. The partial online restoration comes on day 88 of an internet blackout, with Iran having begun restricting internet access in late December 2025 following mass anti-government demonstrations initially driven by surging inflation and currency collapse.