The United States has carried out military strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, following reports of explosions in the area, amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US officials confirmed that the strikes were conducted on Monday, targeting Iranian military forces allegedly using surface-to-air missiles against American assets.
According to reports, a US official told Reuters that the operation was limited in scope and did not represent a return to large-scale military operations against Iran.
Another American official described the action as defensive, explaining that it was aimed at countering Iranian forces accused of deploying surface-to-air missiles against US assets.
Iranian state media also reported multiple explosions on Qeshm Island, which is located off Iran’s southern coast, close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Wall Street Journal also reported the military operation, citing American officials familiar with the development.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon directed questions about the strikes to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which had yet to issue an official response at the time of the report.
The latest military action comes amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran over the control and security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for international oil shipments.
The tensions have intensified following a series of attacks on commercial vessels travelling through the waterway, raising concerns about the safety of international shipping and global energy supplies.
The United States has also maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports as disagreements continue over access to the strategic waterway and the movement of commercial vessels.
Despite the growing military tensions, diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation are ongoing, with Qatar playing a mediation role between Washington and Tehran.
US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that he remained optimistic about the possibility of reaching a negotiated settlement with Iran.
However, the latest American strikes have raised fresh concerns about the possibility of renewed military confrontation between the two countries, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy supplies, and any prolonged military confrontation in the area could have serious consequences for international trade, oil prices and global economic stability.
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