The US military carried ​out strikes on ‌Monday in southern Iran against targets including ​boats attempting ​to lay mines and ⁠missile launch sites, ​in what it ​described as defensive actions, Reuters reports.

US Central Command said in ​a statement the ​strikes were designed “to protect ‌our ⁠troops from threats posed by Iranian forces”.

“US Central Command ​continues to ​defend ⁠our forces while using ​restraint during the ​ongoing ⁠ceasefire,” said Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, ⁠a ​Central Command ​spokesperson.