PTC Web Desk:  Tensions in the Gulf region escalated again on Tuesday after the United States military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines and a surface-to-air missile site near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port.

The action came even as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran over a ceasefire and regional de-escalation continue behind closed doors.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was conducted in “self-defence” to protect American naval assets and commercial maritime routes in the region.

CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins said the US military acted after identifying threats to international shipping lanes and American warships operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

“The measures were necessary to ensure the safety of US personnel and maritime traffic,” Hawkins said, adding that Washington was still exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire discussions.

Trump signals tough stand on Iran

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would eventually be neutralised as part of any future understanding between the two countries.

Trump indicated that the material could either be handed over to the United States for destruction or dismantled under a monitored arrangement involving Iran itself.

He also ruled out the possibility of any agreement resembling the nuclear deal negotiated during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

“There will either be a strong agreement or no agreement at all,” Trump said while addressing reporters.

No formal agreement yet

Despite reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran were close to extending a ceasefire framework and reopening maritime routes through Hormuz, no official agreement has been signed so far.

Diplomatic discussions involving Iranian representatives in Doha are currently focused on two major issues — the future of the Strait of Hormuz and the handling of Iran’s highly enriched uranium reserves.

Talks are also reportedly covering the release of frozen Iranian financial assets.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said no major decision regarding negotiations or regional security would be finalised without approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Iran lists conditions for any future deal

Iranian officials have outlined a series of demands they say must be addressed before any broader understanding with the United States can move forward.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran expects an end to conflicts involving Lebanon and other regional fronts, guarantees against future attacks, removal of naval restrictions, easing of oil sanctions and the return of Iranian assets seized abroad.

He also insisted that Iran’s role and security mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz must be recognised as part of any settlement.

Azizi claimed the United States and Israel had initially sought a quick military outcome but later shifted toward negotiations after facing resistance from Iran and its allies.

At the same time, he acknowledged that mistrust between Tehran and Washington remains deep-rooted.

Iran yet to respond to US strike claims

Iran has not officially confirmed or denied the American claims regarding the strikes near Bandar Abbas.

Iranian media outlets reported hearing three explosions in the region, though it remains unclear whether the blasts occurred directly inside Bandar Abbas city or in nearby coastal waters.

So far, Iranian authorities have avoided issuing a formal response to the reported military action.

Israel continues strikes in Southern Lebanon

Meanwhile, regional tensions extended beyond the Gulf as Israel carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

According to local media reports, Israeli fighter jets targeted areas near the town of Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district. Additional strikes were also reported in parts of Tyre district and the western Bekaa Valley.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s support for Lebanon and Hezbollah, stating that Iran stood by Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid continuing Israeli operations.