US warships stationed in the Middle East have reportedly come under attack from Iranian cruise missiles, according to unverified sources. Pro-Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps media is claiming that 10 anti-ship missiles were launched at American vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
Explosions reported in southern Iran
Unconfirmed reports have also emerged of explosions in Sirik, a city in southern Iran. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported an "enemy" strike on the port city, located in the Hormozgan province. The agency claimed the assault targeted a military installation, though no further details were provided. All reports remain unverified at this stage.
US Central Command approached for comment
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations across the Middle East, has been approached for comment. This follows CENTCOM earlier dismissing reports that it had requested Israel to prepare for a renewed conflict with Iran as "mere speculation", according to Al Jazeera.
Trump downplays fresh strikes
On Monday, Donald Trump described the prospect of fresh strikes on Iran as "highly unlikely". The US President stated that "Iran militarily is effectively over" and suggested there was "positive momentum" behind ongoing peace negotiations, reports the Express.
"We're just keeping it the status quo," he told reporters. "And we're doing that really at the behest of countries that are their neighbours." Despite playing down the likelihood of further military action against Iran, Mr Trump warned that American forces remained "locked and loaded" should the situation change.
A third US aircraft carrier is currently en route to the Middle East. In the meantime, the Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen has announced it intercepted and destroyed Houthi drones targeting the Riyadh region. The Houthi rebels receive backing from Iran.
