U.S. has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official says

WASHINGTON — The U.S. has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official says.

Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island. The official, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly and spoke Monday on condition of anonymity, said “Iranians using surface to air missiles against U.S. assets” had been targeted.

The strikes, which appeared to be limited as opposed to a full return to hostilities, came on the eve of crucial American midterm elections. President Donald Trump has previously said the U.S. wouldn’t launch strikes on Iran before the midterms.

The unpopular Iran war and the resulting impact on U.S. gasoline prices and other parts of the economy have been a vulnerability for Republicans as they try to keep control of Congress.

Vice President JD Vance told reporters earlier Monday that he just spoke to Trump about talks with Iran and said that “the president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement.”

Vance sent a letter to Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, last week, but the White House has offered scant details about the contents of that correspondence. Trump told reporters…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world