WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. 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.

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

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

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Sonali Paul)