U.S. Strikes Iranian Targets Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Negotiations

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces carried out targeted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday. The operation destroyed missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to emplace mines in critical waterways. These actions follow weekend strikes against radar and drone facilities conducted in response to the recent downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone. In a related escalation, U.S. officials reported that Iran fired two missiles at American forces stationed in Kuwait, though both were intercepted without reported casualties. Despite the kinetic exchanges, diplomatic channels remain active. President Trump has publicly signaled that a deal is within reach, stating that Iran "really wants to make a deal" while dismissing the 2015 JCPOA as a failure. Reporting indicates that a draft memorandum of understanding is currently being shuttled between Washington and Tehran by mediators. The White House confirmed that the President made a series of edits to the text on Friday, which has since been returned to Iranian officials for review. On the ground in Iran, there are signs of shifting internal controls as the government began partially lifting a nationwide internet blackout that lasted 87 days. While information flow remains restricted, the move is seen as a potential easing of domestic pressure. CENTCOM officials emphasized that recent military actions were conducted with restraint to protect U.S. personnel while maintaining the broader framework of ongoing ceasefire negotiations.