U.S. military forces conducted “self-defense strikes” against Iranian vessels and a missile site Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a move aimed at countering perceived threats posed by Tehran amid ongoing tensions. Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, confirmed that American forces neutralized two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boats reportedly engaged in laying mines, along with a surface-to-air missile installation located at Iran’s main naval base in Bandar Abbas. The missile site was said to have been targeting U.S. aircraft.

“These actions were necessary to protect our troops from imminent threats posed by Iranian forces,” Hawkins said, emphasizing that the strikes were carried out with restraint amid an ongoing ceasefire.

The military actions coincide with reported negotiations toward a preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at easing the conflict. Sources indicate that a memorandum of understanding could be finalized this week, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial navigation and securing a commitment from Iran to halt further nuclear enrichment. Subsequent talks would then address the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program.

Within the Trump administration, discussions have centered on how to manage Iran’s possession of nearly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium. One proposal suggests that Iran transfer the material indirectly to countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, or China, which could then facilitate its ultimate surrender to the United States. An administration official acknowledged that such arrangements are intended to allow both sides to “save face,” and while the preference remains for the uranium to be handed over to the U.S., interim alternatives are being considered.

Another option proposes that Iran dilute the uranium to a level that would prevent weaponization, supported by rigorous international inspections. This approach is premised on the notion that Iran’s nuclear facilities have been sufficiently damaged by previous military actions to make undetected enrichment unlikely. Discussions on this option would require further negotiation on oversight mechanisms.

President Donald Trump reinforced these reports on social media, stating that the enriched uranium would be either transferred to the United States for destruction or dismantled in Iran under international supervision. He indicated that the details of this arrangement would be addressed in a subsequent phase of negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that significant progress had been made in talks but cautioned that an imminent agreement should not be assumed. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions as ongoing.

In a related development, President Trump held a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor 13 U.S. service members killed in the conflict with Iran. He highlighted the sacrifices made to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and acknowledged the family of Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino, who died in a refueling aircraft crash over Iraq in March.

Separately, Trump reported a recent phone call with leaders of several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, and Jordan. He emphasized that he urged these nations to join the Abraham Accords—U.S.-brokered agreements normalizing relations with Israel that currently include the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Trump also suggested the possibility of Iran joining the accords, a proposal that would mark a historic shift, though it remains unclear whether Israel would accept such a development. Arab leaders have maintained that resolution of the Palestinian issue remains a prerequisite for normalization.

The evolving diplomatic and military developments underscore the complexity and fragility of the situation in the Gulf region as the United States seeks to manage Iran’s nuclear ambitions while maintaining regional stability.