The United States military has carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media confirmed the development, saying five explosions were heard on Qeshm Island.
The development came despite President Donald Trump’s statement that the U.S. would not launch strikes on Iran before Tuesday’s midterm elections.
US Officials, however, said the attacks were self-defence in response to Iran’s ongoing efforts to target maritime shipping and US assets.
Vice-President JD Vance earlier noted that a deal could be struck to prevent Mr Trump from attacking Iran after the midterm elections.
“We’ve had a number of good conversations with the Iranians. Both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. We’re going to keep on working at it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iran vowed earth-shattering reprisals, warning the US against renewing attacks.
“Iran’s powerful armed forces will deal with those who dare harm our people. Red lines are a thing of the past,” Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said.
Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia also warned the US against launching another military adventure in the region, saying any new aggression would expand the war’s geographical scope.
“Given the American president’s dark history of betraying diplomacy, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s army, distrustful and indifferent to the enemy’s actions, is relentlessly enhancing its combat readiness. We are closely monitoring America’s movements in the region,” Mr Akraminia added.
Despite the tensions, there have been speculations that the US and Iran could still come to an agreement and end the war.