The United States military has carried out limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported multiple explosions on the island on Monday.
U.S. officials described the operation as defensive, stating it was launched in response to recent actions by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including firing upon a U.S. aircraft and targeting U.S. assets and maritime shipping in the region.
The military action comes on the eve of critical U.S. midterm elections that will decide the balance of power in Congress. President Donald Trump has faced declining poll numbers and internal pressure from his own party regarding the conflict, which began following joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February.
Speaking to reporters earlier on Monday, Trump stated he was in "no rush" to escalate military operations, noting that the U.S. had crippled Iran financially. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that intensive indirect talks through mediators are ongoing, while emphasizing that Tehran remains fully prepared for both diplomatic and military outcomes.
