India, May 26 -- The United States military said it carried out "self-defense strikes" on Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, amid an ongoing ceasefire between the two nations, according to media reports.

The strikes came even as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting agreement between the two sides.

"U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," CENTCOM spokesperson Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement, responding to reports of explosions near the Strait of Hormuz.

"Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces whi...