The United States launched new strikes on targets in southern Iran overnight as ceasefire negotiations in Qatar stalled over nuclear and maritime security disputes.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the “self-defence strikes” targeted missile launch sites and two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boats accused of laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas, Iran’s main southern port.
Iran said it fired surface-to-air missiles at U.S. aircraft and claimed to have downed a hostile drone over the Persian Gulf.
The US military says it struck missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran. CENTCOM described the attacks as “self-defence” as Iran’s top negotiators gathered in Qatar for talks. pic.twitter.com/05DEm4S0pO
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 26, 2026The exchanges took place despite a ceasefire framework that has remained technically active since April 8.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said from India that a final agreement with Tehran would “take a few days,” while President Donald Trump warned any settlement must be a “Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all.”
Read: US Strikes Iran Sites As Ceasefire Faces New Risk
Negotiators remain divided over Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpiles and the timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global petroleum shipments.
Brent crude rose more than 2% to about $98 per barrel following the strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced intensified military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including new strikes in the Bekaa Valley.
