U.S. Conducts Strikes in Southern Iran Amid Ongoing Truce Negotiations

The U.S. military carried out fresh strikes against missile launch sites and naval assets in southern Iran over the last 24 hours. U.S. Central Command characterized the operations as defensive measures aimed at preventing the placement of mines in strategic waterways. While the Trump administration maintains these actions were conducted with restraint, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has officially labeled the strikes a violation of the existing ceasefire, warning that Washington will be held responsible for the consequences. Despite the military friction, diplomatic channels remains active in Qatar. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that while progress is being made on a framework to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a final agreement may still be several days away. The negotiations are reportedly being complicated by a separate escalation in Lebanon, where expanded Israeli operations against Hezbollah have prompted Tehran to demand the inclusion of regional proxy conflicts in any broader arrangement with the United States. Domestically, the Iranian government has begun a partial restoration of internet services following a prolonged shutdown. The move toward normalization comes as state-linked reports reveal the blackout has been costing the Iranian economy between $30 million and $40 million per day. Fixed broadband services are reportedly the first to be restored, even as high-level officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, continue to navigate high-stakes regional diplomacy.