U.S. conducts defensive strikes on Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz

The United States carried out defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said Monday. The unnamed official, who was not cleared to speak publicly, said the attacks were in response to Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets.

Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island, and the Wall Street Journal earlier confirmed the strikes. The limited nature of the attacks follows President Donald Trump’s statement that the United States would not launch new strikes on Iran before the upcoming midterm elections.

Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a possible diplomatic settlement, noting a recent letter he sent to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei that focused on providing medical supplies and other assistance. "We've had a number of good conversations with the Iranians," Vance told reporters. "The president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged President Trump to consider a broader air campaign against Iran, according to regional officials, though Trump has not committed to further military action. Other Middle-East allies, including Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, warned that additional strikes could destabilize the region and provoke attacks by Iran-aligned groups.

Oil prices fell sharply after the strikes, and President Trump downplayed the conflict, saying, "I don't know if you even call it a war, because we haven't been doing any fighting for months."

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, met with military chiefs and warned that any U.S. or Israeli threat would be met with an immediate response without geographic limits. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Qatari mediators holding talks and China planning to send a special envoy to the region later this month.