US forces conducted strikes against Iran following the downing of an Apache helicopter, prompting Iranian retaliation on American airbases. Vice President JD Vance indicated that a deal to end the Iran war could take weeks or months.
Key points
US forces launched strikes against Iran after an Apache helicopter was downed.
Iran retaliated by hitting American airbases in the Middle East.
JD Vance suggested a deal to end the Iran war could take weeks or months.
The US strikes targeted radar and air defense facilities.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for retaliatory strikes.
Mentioned in this story
JD VanceIslamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsStrait of HormuzJordanKuwait
Good morning.
US forces have launched strikes against Iran in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter near the strait of Hormuz a day earlier, and Iran has retaliated by hitting American airbases in the Middle East. The exchange of fire came as the US vice-president, JD Vance, was vague on the possible timeframe for ending the Iran war, saying it could conclude in a week or a few months.
US Central Command said Donald Trump had directed the military to launch strikes, which White House officials reportedly said were targeting radar and air defense facilities along the strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that in response it had struck at the al-Azraq base in Jordan using long-range missiles, while Kuwait reported its air defenses were intercepting hostile missile and drone threats. Jordan’s armed forces said it intercepted and shot down five missiles. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, accused the US of “harming” diplomatic efforts to end the war.
What didVance actually say? “Right now, I feel that we are in a position to get a deal that is good for the United States economically and that really does deal with the Iranian nuclear program. Not just now, not just while Donald Trump is president, but for the long term, to where my kids can say when they’re adults: ‘Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon.’”
Republican Steve Hilton advances in tight California governor’s race
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Steve Hilton will face the Democrat Xavier Becerra in November’s gubernatorial election. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Steve Hilton, a former UK political operative turned Fox News personality then Republican candidate, has advanced to the November election in the race to become California’s next governor. He will face off against the Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former congressman, state attorney general and US health secretary.
Q&A
What triggered the recent US-Iran exchange of fire?
The exchange was triggered by the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
What did JD Vance say about the timeframe for ending the Iran war?
JD Vance mentioned that a deal could take anywhere from a week to a few months to finalize.
How did Iran respond to the US strikes?
Iran retaliated by attacking the al-Azraq base in Jordan with long-range missiles.
What are the implications of the US strikes on diplomatic efforts with Iran?
Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Michael Vaughan argues that Ben Stokes should not be removed as England Test captain despite breaking curfew after a victory celebration. Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson are under investigation following an incident involving a security staff member.
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