US-Iran conflict escalates with strikes, downed aircraft, and threats over Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against high-value Iranian targets, including senior officials in Tehran. The conflict escalated further when a U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran, requiring a special forces rescue mission, and the U.S. threatened to seize control of the critical Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. facilities, while U.S. officials like JD Vance engaged in regional diplomacy and the U.S. bolstered its military presence in the Middle East.