The United States military announced new strikes against southern Iran on Wednesday, targeting missile sites and boats that the Pentagon claims were attempting to lay mines. The strikes occurred in an area near Bandar Abbas, a key port city on the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command.

U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stated the strikes were conducted in self-defense to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. He emphasized that the U.S. military is continuing to defend its forces while exercising restraint during an ongoing ceasefire.

These military actions come as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continue. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai acknowledged that some progress has been made in talks with the U.S., but cautioned that a final deal to end the conflict is not imminent.

According to reports, the targeted area is near an Iranian naval base. Iranian state media had previously indicated that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating explosions heard in the vicinity. Iran has not yet officially responded to the latest U.S. strikes.

The impact of these strikes on the ongoing peace negotiations remains unclear. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from India, suggested that a deal is still possible. He referenced talks held on Tuesday between Iran's top negotiator, its foreign minister, and Qatar's prime minister.

Rubio indicated that discussions are focused on specific language within an initial document and may take several days to resolve. He reiterated President Donald Trump's stance of either securing a good deal or no deal at all.

Earlier in the week, President Trump had expressed optimism about nearing an agreement, but subsequently instructed negotiators not to rush the process. Secretary Rubio had previously suggested a potential agreement could be reached as early as Monday.

However, Baqai clarified that while a large portion of issues under discussion have been resolved, declaring an agreement imminent would be premature. The memorandum of understanding reportedly being discussed includes a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and provisions for future negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.