The US military carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, in what was reportedly termed a ‘defensive action’ by them in order to protect US assets in the region.

The blasts were heard on Qeshm Island and by those in the neighbouring Hengam Island. Both the islands are located very near the Strait of Hormuz.

An official from the US reiterated that the strikes were ‘a defensive measure for Iranians using surface to air missiles against US assets’.

The US President Donald Trump had suggested earlier that diplomacy with Tehran was ‘still at work’. The attack comes even before an agreement could happen with Iranian authorities.

It is to be noted that Qeshm Island was previously targetted by the US during this war.

Meanwhile, some Arab states have also warned Iran that, if Tehran targetted their infrastructure, they would ‘retaliate individually or collectively’.

Recently, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash had said that the UAE was ‘braced for the worst’ should diplomatic efforts fail.

The Strait of Hormuz has been under tension as attacks on vessels are almost a daily occurence.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia continues to face attacks by Iran-backed Houthis even as schools in Riyadh work online this week, and security drills are being carried out in the region, particularly at airports. – editor@nrifocus.com