KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has launched strikes on targets in southern Iran despite an ongoing ceasefire, as Iranian and US officials hold talks in Qatar aimed at reaching a permanent peace deal.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the “self-defence strikes” targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to place mines, claiming the action was aimed at protecting US troops, Al Jazeera reported.
Iranian sources said several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in the attacks.
The strikes come despite a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that has officially been in place since April 8.
Meanwhile, a high-level Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Doha for negotiations on ending the conflict.
US President Donald Trump said the talks were “proceeding nicely” but stressed that Washington would only accept a “substantial deal”.
Trump also reiterated demands regarding Iran’s enriched uranium, saying it should either be handed over to the US or destroyed under international supervision.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said progress had been made in the negotiations, but cautioned that no final agreement was close.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions were currently focused on ending the war rather than Iran’s nuclear programme.
sa
