US launches new strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats

"US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," Centcom spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said in a statement on Monday.

"US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire."

Capt Hawkins added the US strikes targeted an area near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city and home of an Iranian naval base that sits on the Strait of Hormuz, according to the New York Times.

Iranian state media had earlier reported that local officials in Bandar Abbas were investigating after explosions were heard.

It is unclear what impact the latest US strikes will have on any potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.

Following the US attack, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal was still possible and pointed to talks on Tuesday between Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister and Qatar's prime minister.

"We'll see if we can make progress. I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days," Rubio told reporters during an official visit to India.

He said President Donald Trump had "expressed his desire to make it".

"He's either going to make a good deal or no deal," Rubio said.

Asked again later about Monday's strikes, Rubio said: "The straits have to be open.

"They're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open.

"What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable."

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the Middle East "will no longer serve as shields for US bases".

Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his late father as supreme leader earlier this year, made the comments on Tuesday in a message marking the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

He added: "In addition to no longer having a safe haven for evil and establishing military bases in the region, America is moving away from its previous status day by day."