U.S. Conducts Airstrikes on Iranian Targets Amid Ongoing Negotiations

On May 25, 2026, U.S. Central Command reported that U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets, including missile launch sites and boats allegedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes occurred shortly after Iranian negotiators arrived in Qatar for discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Central Command described the airstrikes as defensive actions intended to protect U.S. troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, stated that the U.S. continues to exercise restraint during the ceasefire that was established last month, despite occasional exchanges of fire. The airstrikes coincide with Israel's plans to escalate military actions in Lebanon, a point of contention in the negotiations. President Donald Trump indicated that a deal between the U.S. and Iran might be approaching, although Iranian officials have denied that any agreement is imminent. Key issues in the negotiations include the status of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.