US strikes Iranian vessels and missile launch sites
United States (US) forces have launched attacks on Iran, targeting Iranian vessels and several missile launch sites within the country.
Reported by Al Jazeera and AFP on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, US forces attacked locations in southern Iran. An American television station reported that the US military claimed the strikes were in self-defence.
“US forces carried out defensive actions today to protect our personnel from threats posed by Iranian forces,” said Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the US Central Command, as reported by Fox News.
Hawkins stated the targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines. “The US Central Command continues to defend its forces while observing the ongoing ceasefire,” he added, according to the report.
Explosions were heard in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. Semi-official news agency Mehr reported that the situation was under control.
US-Iran Agreement
The US and Iran had been on the verge of signing an agreement to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deal would allow Tehran to resume oil sales and create opportunities for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The details of the agreement, as reported by Middle East Monitor on Monday, 25 May, were cited by US media outlet Axios, quoting a US official familiar with the draft. Neither the US nor Iran has issued an official statement thus far.
The US official quoted by Axios stated that the proposed agreement had not yet been finalised and warned it could still collapse before signing.
A New York Times (NYT) report on Sunday, 24 May, citing an anonymous US official, stated the deal was awaiting final approval from US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – a process that could take several days.
Axios reported that the potential US-Iran agreement would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had effectively closed during the ongoing conflict since late February.
According to the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass without tolls.
In return, the US would lift the blockade on Iranian ports and impose limited sanctions exemptions allowing Tehran to sell oil freely over the 60-day period.
A US official described the arrangement as “performance-based assistance”, stating economic relief would follow concrete steps by Iran and not be provided upfront.
The draft also included Iran’s commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons, negotiate a suspension of uranium enrichment, and transfer high-enriched uranium supplies.
According to Axios, broader sanctions relief or the release of Iranian funds would be discussed during the ceasefire period but only implemented as part of a verified final agreement.
During the extended 60-day ceasefire, US forces in the region would remain deployed and only be withdrawn if a final agreement is reached.
The agreement also appears linked to efforts to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. An Axios-cited US official stated Israel would still be permitted to act if Hezbollah attempts to rearm or resume attacks.
Several Arab and Muslim leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and the UAE, have backed the diplomatic efforts.