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U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official tells AP

A U.S. official says the U.S. has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island.

U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official tells AP

On the eve of major midterm elections, the United States has launched defensive strikes against certain Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a U.S. official. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island, the location of the strikes. The official, speaking anonymously due to the lack of authorization, stated that Iranians using surface to air missiles against U.S. assets were the targets.

The strikes seem to be limited rather than a return to full hostilities. This move comes after President Donald Trump's earlier statement that the U.S. would not initiate new strikes on Iran prior to Tuesday's midterm elections. The unpopular war and its effects on U.S. gasoline prices and the economy have posed a challenge for Republicans trying to maintain control of Congress.

The region remains on edge regarding the potential resumption of full-scale operations against Iran, and these strikes, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, are expected to heighten concerns. Negotiations between the two nations are also taking place in the background.

Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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