US conducts "self-defense" strikes against Iran: What we know
Newsweek
Last updated: May 26, 2026
The United States conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines. CENTCOM says the actions aim to protect U.S. troops, and that forces are exercising restraint during an ongoing ceasefire.
- Targets and scope: The strikes hit missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines, described as self-defense measures to deter threats to U.S. forces.
- CENTCOM official: Captain Tim Hawkins told Newsweek that the strikes were intended to protect troops from Iranian threats, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to restraint amid the ceasefire.
- Ceasefire context: CENTCOM says it continues to defend forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.
- Political context: President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, said negotiations with Iran are proceeding nicely and described potential outcomes as a "Great Deal" or "no Deal" that could return to battlefront.
- Regional restraint and diplomacy: Trump also urged Middle East countries to join the Abraham Accords and cited U.S. efforts to "pull this very complex puzzle together".
- Source note: The report cites CENTCOM spokesman Tim Hawkins and Newsweek; the story is described as developing and will be updated with new information.
