Key facts
- US forces conducted self-defense strikes on IRGC missile sites and boats in southern Iran.
- The strikes followed recent IRGC attacks on commercial shipping and US service members.
- Explosions were heard east of Bandar Abbas, near an Iranian naval base.
- Iran reported four projectiles struck the cities of Chabahar and Konarak, east of the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Donald Trump called the strikes 'justified' and warned Iran against retaliation.
The U.S. launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday, escalating recent fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump stated the strikes were "justified" and threatened bigger strikes if Tehran retaliated, citing Iran's alleged attempt to add sea mines to the Strait and firing missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan.
U.S. forces initiated strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in southern Iran, including missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas, on September 1, 2026. U.S. Central Command stated the strikes were in self-defense, a response to recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members.
Explosions were heard east of Bandar Abbas, a port city and home to an Iranian naval base on the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. Iran's IRGC claimed to have downed a U.S. drone and fired at other drones that entered Iranian airspace, state media reported, without specifying when these events occurred. The IRGC asserted Iran's right to retaliate against any U.S. ceasefire violations.
Amidst the military actions, diplomatic efforts for a potential peace agreement continue. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a deal was still possible, citing ongoing discussions between Iranian and Qatari officials. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to reach an agreement, though he has also instructed negotiators not to rush. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed progress on many issues but cautioned against claims of an imminent signing.
The memorandum of understanding reportedly under discussion includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and a plan for further negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. However, U.S. media reports suggest that communication with Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father earlier this year, is difficult due to his undisclosed location, potentially delaying the talks. Khamenei himself stated that the Middle East would no longer serve as a shield for U.S. bases.