US launches new Iran strikes despite peace talks

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The US military has launched strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats it said were laying mines. It is unclear whether the attacks will derail peace talks between Iran and the US. American officials say the two sides are close to reaching a deal. Tehran denies an agreement is imminent but has said “a large portion” of the matters under discussion have been resolved. The talks centre on a memorandum of understanding that reportedly involves a ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. This framework kicks the issues underlying the war into the long grass. On Monday Donald Trump linked any deal with more Muslim countries signing the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel, a condition that would further complicate the peace process. Pakistan has rejected this idea.