The United States has conducted strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official says, in a reported escalation of the Iran war hours before U.S. midterm elections.

The Associated Press describes the strikes as defensive. Reports differ on the location, with some placing the targets near the strait and others describing them as in the waterway. The available information does not establish which targets were hit, whether there were casualties, or what action Iran may take next.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipping. Any further escalation could raise regional security concerns and disrupt shipping, but the research context does not confirm any disruption or specific effect on oil flows.