WASHINGTON — The United States has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said Monday, on the eve of crucial midterm elections.
\n\nIranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island. The official, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said “Iranians using surface to air missiles against U.S. assets” had been targeted.
\n\nThe strikes appeared to be limited as opposed to a return to full hostilities but followed President Donald Trump previously saying the U.S. wouldn’t launch strikes on Iran before Tuesday’s midterms. The strikes were reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThe administration was last known to have carried out some attacks in early September, but thousands of U.S. troops remain in the waters off Iran to maintain a naval blockade aimed at preventing tankers carrying Iranian oil from getting to the global market. Plus, a third aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are on their way to the…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/