US strikes Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, official says, leaving unclear what comes next

The United States launched strikes on Iranian targets, according to a U.S. official

Iranian state media reported explosions on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam and near Bandar Abbas

The strikes were not publicly announced, unlike earlier in the war

President Trump previously said the U.S. wouldn't launch strikes on Iran before the midterms

early September: The Trump administration was last known to have carried out attacks on Iran · last week: Netanyahu and his far-right allies lost their parliamentary majority in elections · weekend: Netanyahu pushed Trump for strikes in a call · Monday: A U.S. official said the strikes targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against the U.S. in the strait · Monday: Vance told reporters he and Trump feel good about prospects for a negotiated settlement · Tuesday: Iranian state television quoted Qalibaf saying Iran delivered a firm response and warning of readiness for a new battlefield

The U.S. official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity