United States don launch new strikes for southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats wey dey try put mine for water. According to US Central Command, dem take action for self-defense, to protect their troops from threats from Iranian forces.
Captain Tim Hawkins, wey be spokesperson for Central Command, talk say US military dey defend their forces but still dey show restraint during the ongoing ceasefire between di two countries. Iran no don reply to di attack yet.
But earlier, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai talk say although dem don make some progress for talks to end di war, a deal no dey close. E say, “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion. But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent – no-one can make such a claim.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio say a deal still possible. E point to talks wey happen for Qatar between Iran top negotiator and foreign minister and Qatar prime minister. Rubio tell reporters for India, “We’ll see if we can make progress. I think it’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days.” E add say President Donald Trump don express desire to make am. “He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio talk.
Asked about Monday strikes, Rubio say, “The straits have to be open. They’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
Captain Hawkins say di US strikes target area near Bandar Abbas, wey be southern port city and home of Iranian naval base for Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media report say local officials for Bandar Abbas dey investigate after dem hear explosions.
Earlier for May, clash between Iranian and US naval destroyers for Strait of Hormuz make Trump insist say ceasefire still dey place. At weekend, Trump suggest say di sides near deal, but later e tell negotiators make dem no rush. Rubio talk say agreement fit reach on Monday.
Di memorandum of understanding wey dem dey discuss reportedly involve 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening of Strait of Hormuz, and plan for further negotiations over Iran nuclear programme. CBS News, BBC US partner, report say US intelligence believe Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei – wey bin injure for Israeli strike wey kill im father – dey hide for undisclosed location, making communication with im envoys difficult and delaying pace of talks.
According to US media, di discussions no go immediately lead to final settlement. Contentious issues like Iranian sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds, and US demands for Iran to curb nuclear ambitions go likely dey negotiated later.
At start of war, Iran think to get about 440kg of uranium wey enrich up to 60% purity, short process from weapons-grade 90%. Trump say di enriched uranium go either be “immediately” turned over to US, or “preferably, in conjunction and co-ordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place.”
US and Iranian forces don observe ceasefire since 8 April. Iran maintain controls on Gulf shipping through Strait of Hormuz and US Navy seek to blockade Iran ports. US and Israel launch wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, sparking conflict across Middle East. Iran respond by attacking Israel and US-allied states for Gulf, and effectively close Strait of Hormuz, wey send oil prices soaring globally.
