US Launches 'Self-Defence' Strike Against Iran Amid Negotiations
The attack was carried out “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” but the military “has exercised restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” said US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins in a statement. However, technical details of the plan remain unavailable, and it is unclear how the strike will impact ongoing talks between the two sides.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a deal with Iran remains possible despite the recent US military strike. “There are ongoing talks in Qatar today, so we will see if we can make progress,” Rubio told journalists during an official visit to India. “There are repeated discussions about specific language in the initial documents, so it will take several days,” he added. “The President has expressed his desire to resolve it. He will either make a good deal or no deal at all.”
Rubio’s statement came shortly after the US Central Command announced it had launched a “self-defence” strike against Iran, targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels.
Israel and Hezbollah clashes continue despite ceasefire
On the other hand, despite an official ceasefire, both Israeli forces and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants continue to exchange attacks. Hezbollah launched drone attacks into northern Israel, hitting a house and a bus stop. Meanwhile, Israeli forces struck sites they described as Iran-backed group infrastructure in the Tyre area. The attacks followed Israel’s warning for residents of ten villages to evacuate.
Lebanese authorities reported over 3,100 deaths since Israel renewed its southern offensive on 3 March 2026. On the Israeli side, at least 23 soldiers and one mercenary were killed.
Amid US-Iran negotiations to halt hostilities between the two nations, plans are reportedly in place to cease hostilities in southern Lebanon, with Israeli right-wing ministers openly urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to return to a “firm combat policy against Hezbollah in the region.”