WASHINGTON D.C.: U.S. Central Command (Centcom) launched “defensive strikes” in southern Iran on Monday (U.S. local time) to protect American troops from threats, targeting missile sites and mine-laying boats.

The strikes triggered explosions near Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the flare-up, Centcom stated it is practicing restraint under a ceasefire that has held since April 7.

The military action coincides with delicate negotiations over an unfinalized memorandum of understanding to end the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Tehran.

If finalized, the deal would halt all hostilities and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, unlocking 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

Global fuel prices have soared since the conflict erupted in late February, pushing the U.S. national average gas price to $4.50 a gallon.

A key condition of the pact requires Iran to surrender its enriched uranium stockpile during a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations are “proceeding nicely,” noting on Truth Social that the uranium must either be handed over to the U.S. for destruction or destroyed in an approved location witnessed by the Atomic Energy Commission.

While the U.S. remains firm that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains its program is entirely peaceful.