The United States carried out defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz
The United States conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said. The official said the targets were Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. Oil prices rose in early Asian trading Tuesday after reports of the strike, Reuters reported.
More context
The United States carried out what a U.S. official described as defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, on the eve of U.S. midterm elections. According to the official, Iranian personnel who had deployed surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets were the intended targets. Iranian state television said explosions had been heard on Qeshm Island, while The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that the island was struck. The reports did not confirm that the strikes hit Qeshm. The strikes appeared limited rather than a return to full hostilities, following Donald Trump’s earlier statement that the United States would not strike Iran before Tuesday’s vote. Reuters said reports of the strike were followed by higher oil prices in early Asian trading Tuesday, amid concerns about escalation and supply disruptions.
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Reporting
- Saudi Gazette — US carries out 'defensive strikes' on Iran's Qeshm island on election eve - Latest News from Saudi Arabia and the World
- PBS News — U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official tells AP
- WSVN 7News — US has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, US official says - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
- NBC News — U.S. has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official says
- Australian Associated Press — US military strikes Iran's Qeshm Island
- smh.com.au — US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island on eve of Donald Trump’s crucial midterm elections
- globalbankingandfinance.com (with Reuters) — Oil Prices Rise After Reported US Strike on Iran's Qeshm Island
Verifier’s note
Global Banking & Finance Review carries Reuters reporting that oil prices rose after reports of a strike on Qeshm Island. The Sydney Morning Herald, Saudi Gazette, PBS, WSVN and NBC News report the strikes or explosions on Qeshm; AAP also reports the strike, citing the Wall Street Journal. The reports are consistent that U.S. strikes occurred and oil prices rose afterward.