The US military struck missile launch ramps and mine-layers in southern Iran on Tuesday. The US Central Command (Centcom) described the strikes as “defensive” measures. The attacks took place during a seven-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Centcom spokesman Tim Hawkins stressed that the strikes do not mean the ceasefire is over. He said the US is defending its forces but exercising restraint. Iranian news outlet Tabnak, close to former official Mohsen Rezaei, reported four Iranian soldiers killed in attacks on boats. State television reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, a city on the Strait of Hormuz that hosts a military port.
The strikes are the second major incident during the ceasefire. They coincide with the trip of an Iranian delegation to Qatar. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is leading the talks, which also include Abbas Araghchi and Abdolnaser Hemmati. Hemmati’s presence fuels speculation that the discussions involve unfreezing Iranian assets.
The envisioned deal reportedly includes the US releasing frozen Iranian funds held in foreign accounts, including in Qatar. US Donald Trump faces criticism from Republicans over these plans, who see parallels to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from.
EuroPulse reported on May 24 on Trump’s expectation of a swift agreement with Iran and a possible two-phase deal: Trump expects swift deal with Iran – two-phase agreement in sight.
Source: www.theguardian.com
