The United States has launched self-defense strikes on Iran, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. The strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks by Iran, including the downing of an American Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

Background

The US and Iran have been engaged in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. The US has been conducting a secret mission to help oil tankers through the strait, resulting in 100 million barrels of oil reaching the market.

President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will have to pay the price for its actions, and has said that the US will be hitting Iran hard. The US military has been clashing with Iran over the strait in recent days, and shipping traffic has been limited.

US Military Action

The US military has disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman accused of violating the ongoing US blockade. This is the eighth time American forces have disabled a ship since the blockade on Iranian ports and ships went into effect in April.

Trump has said that the US will continue to take action against Iran until a deal is reached. The US has been pushing for Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program and dispose of its highly enriched uranium.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.