Strait of Hormuz: United States strikes Iranian targets

The United States carried out strikes described as “defensive” against Iranian forces that allegedly used surface-to-air missiles against American targets in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official cited by the Associated Press. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. The limited strikes were not described as a return to large-scale hostilities, as thousands of US troops remain deployed nearby under a naval blockade intended to stop Iranian oil exports. Qatar-mediated discussions are continuing in an effort to reach a framework agreement and ease tensions.