U.S. strikes in Strait of Hormuz raise questions about Iran conflict's future

The United States launched strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz hours before Tuesday's midterm elections, marking the first U.S. military action against Iran in nearly two months and raising questions about the conflict's future. A U.S. official said the strikes targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. forces in the strait, with explosions reported on Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas. President Donald Trump had weighed new strikes after the elections, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed for renewed action over the weekend. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the U.S. response to Tehran's demands was unconvincing, and the strait won't reopen until conditions are met, including lifting the naval blockade and sanctions. Back-channel negotiations continue, with Vice President JD Vance expressing optimism about a potential settlement, as the eight-month-old war has rattled the global economy and affected U.S. gasoline prices.