US army confirms targeting Iranian sites ‘in self-defence’ after explosions near Strait of Hormuz | News World

Explosions have been heard in cities around the Strait of Hormuz, but a US official insisted it does not mean fighting has resumed.

Fear is growing over the fragile ceasefire in the Iran war after reports of fire in the region and across Iran.

Iran’s state broadcaster described explosions in the Strait as an ‘exchange of fire’ between Iranian forces and the ‘enemy.’

Blasts were heard in the ports of Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas port.

An unnamed American official told NBC News that the US carried out strikes on at least two locations in Iran.

They did not constitute the restarting of major fighting against Iran, the official insisted.

The US Central Command said in a statement: ‘U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes as U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, May 7.

‘Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats as USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) transited the international sea passage. No U.S. assets were struck.

‘U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes.

‘CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.’

In the capital Tehran, air defences are said to have been activated, Iran’s IRIB broadcaster said.

Earlier today, Tasnim news agency with links to the regime, said Iranian forces clashed with the US Navy following an attempted attack on an Iranian oil tanker.

The US Central Command has declined to comment on the claims.

Meanwhile, talks to end the conflict are meant to continue between the US and Iran.

Pakistan, which has been a mediator in the peace talks, put out a statement today through its foreign ministry, saying it expects an agreement to be reached ‘sooner rather than later.’

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