Iran war day 88: US attacks near Strait of Hormuz; talks under way in Qatar

US forces carry out series of attacks in the country’s south as Iranian delegation holds talks in Qatar.Published On 26 May 2026United States forces have said they carried out attacks in southern Iran, describing the attacks as “self-defence” operations as top Iranian officials have travelled to Qatar for talks.Earlier, Iranian media reported explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, a strategic hub near the Strait of Hormuz, a global chokepoint through which a fifth of global oil and gas passes.Recommended Stories list of 1 itemlist 1 of 1US Reaper drone shot down by IRGC as tensions rise during Iran peace talksend of listTehran has cautioned against expectations of a rapid breakthrough, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday saying progress had been made in the negotiations, but stressed that it does not mean a deal is “imminent”.Here is what we know:In Iran Nationwide blackout lifted: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of internet access after a near-total nationwide shutdown that lasted more than 87 days, according to state media. Authorities had imposed the blackout during the war, citing security concerns and cyber threats. US attacks southern Iran: Explosions were reported in the southern city of Bandar Abbas before US media said American forces had carried out “self-defence” attacks on missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran, according to US officials. Iranian state media later said the situation in the strategic port city was under control despite the attacks. Tehran repairs war damage: Tehran municipality officials say 97 percent of buildings that suffered minor damage during the Iran" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="89203" data-entity-type="event">US-Israeli attacks on Iran have now been repaired, with authorities expecting the remaining repairs to be completed by next week. US may be gathering intelligence in Hormuz: Former US diplomat Adam Clements told Al Jazeera that the US attacks on Bandar Abbas were likely aimed at monitoring Iranian maritime capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, and said the attacks were unlikely to derail ongoing negotiations with Tehran. He added that any attempt by Iran to lay sea mines in the waterway would likely trigger a “lethal response” from Washington.