Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after US forces carried out what Washington described as “self-defence strikes” in southern Iran, even as top Iranian officials held ceasefire talks in Doha.

US Central Command said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near Bandar Abbas, which hosts Iran’s main naval base.

A spokesperson said US forces were acting to protect their personnel while maintaining restraint during the ongoing ceasefire process.

The military action comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Qatar for talks with the Qatari leadership aimed at exploring a possible peace agreement.

Iran is reportedly demanding the release of around 12 billion US dollars in frozen assets held in Qatar as a condition for progress in negotiations. However, Qatar has rejected reports suggesting it offered any such financial package, calling them baseless.

Tensions were already high following claims by Iran that it had shot down an Israeli reconnaissance drone over Hormozgan province. Israel has not confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, Iran has renewed its condemnation of a February missile strike in Fars province that killed at least 21 people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a possible deal with Iran could still take a few days, indicating that a breakthrough remains uncertain.