US forces struck Iranian targets on Qeshm Island, a strategically vital location in the Persian Gulf, in what American officials described as a limited and defensive action.
What happened
According to American officials, the strikes were prompted by Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. Iranian state media reported hearing five rapid explosions on Qeshm Island, and two American warplanes were seen in the skies overhead.
The US military action was reportedly in response to Iranian forces firing on an American aircraft and shooting at, but missing, two American fighter jets flying over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have brought down two US drones south of Qeshm Island using electronic warfare systems, but the US military rejected these claims.
Iran also reportedly launched a missile from Qeshm Island at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but the weapon was intercepted by US forces. The US has conducted several targeted strikes against Iranian targets in recent weeks to degrade the IRGC's ability to threaten US forces and civilian ships.
Despite the exchange of fire, both American and Iranian sources said peace talks remain ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for both military and diplomatic options and warned that if the US and Israel resume military action, the response would be far harsher than before.
