Trump Authorizes U.S. Military Response Against Iranian Threats

US Attacks Iranian Targets

Tension Grows in Hormuz

Trump Pressures Iran

US forces carried out attacks in southern Iran on Monday targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels.

The operation was described by US military officials as an act of “self-defense.”

The attacks occurred amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations over a possible agreement.

The offensive comes at a delicate moment for talks between the United States and Iran.

The White House is trying to finalize an agreement that would end the conflict, while Donald Trump’s administration insists on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

CENTCOM Says Attacks Were in Self-Defense

#International | U.S. forces launch “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran, according to media reports

U.S. forces carried out “self-defense strikes” on Monday targeting… pic.twitter.com/q4XSKdpIjO

— ICN.Digital (@ICNDigital) May 26, 2026

According to the EFE news agency, US media reported on the operation, citing sources from the United States Central Command, known as CENTCOM.

Timothy Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, confirmed to Fox News that the attack was carried out to protect US troops from Iranian threats.

According to him, the operation took place in “self-defense.”

“The targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels that were attempting to lay mines,” Hawkins said.

The spokesperson added that US forces also responded to what appeared to be a missile site aimed at US fighter jets.

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The information was supported by a source in President Donald Trump’s administration cited by Fox News.

Trump had previously authorized US forces to respond to Iranian provocations in the strategic waterway.

Hawkins also said CENTCOM continues to act with restraint despite the tensions.

“CENTCOM continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint,” he said.

Attacks Coincide With Negotiations Between Washington and Tehran

US Attacks Iran and Tensions Rise – PHOTO: EFE

The military operation is taking place as the United States and Iran intensify diplomatic contacts.

Both countries are seeking to finalize an agreement that would bring an end to the war.

The White House still expects to close the deal in the coming days.

However, Tehran said Monday that an agreement is not yet imminent.

According to leaks published in US media, the possible pact would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

It would also include the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.

However, the issue related to Iran’s nuclear program would be left for a later stage.

That point has drawn questions from several Republican senators allied with Trump.

Some lawmakers consider it concerning to leave the nuclear issue pending while other diplomatic concessions move forward.

Trump Insists on Halting Iran’s Nuclear Program

President Donald Trump spent part of the day publicly responding to the criticism.

During the morning, he said Iran “will never obtain” a nuclear weapon.

Later, he reinforced that position in a message posted on Truth Social.

Trump insisted that Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium must be handed over to the United States for destruction.

The president’s statements come as military and diplomatic tensions continue to grow in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes.

US military movements and diplomatic negotiations are advancing simultaneously as differences persist over the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the impact of US strikes Iran operations.