The United States launched strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which officials described as defensive measures in response to Iranian missile fire.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The United States has launched strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials told CBS, the BBC's US partner. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on the island on Monday.
US officials described the strikes as limited. According to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the strikes were "defensive measures against Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets." Fox News, citing officials, stated the strikes were defensive and carried out in response to Iran firing at a US aircraft.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal cited by The Times of India, the attack was part of a series of limited military operations carried out by Washington in recent weeks. The Journal reported that these attacks had been deliberately kept secret and conducted on a smaller scale to avoid signaling an intention to resume a broader military campaign against Iran.
The strikes occur ahead of the US midterm elections, which will determine whether the Republicans or Democrats control Congress. President Donald Trump has been facing falling polling numbers and pressure from within his party to end the war, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran in February.
On Monday, Trump told reporters he was in "no rush" to ramp up strikes on Iran. "One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush. We crippled them financially," Trump told Axios. "They have no money, no gasoline and their people are getting very tired of it."
Trump also mentioned in an interview with Fox News that the US "might need to go after Pickaxe", a site linked to Iran's nuclear programme, noting it could be done in "one hour" and was "not a big deal."
Regarding the possibility of resuming significant strikes after the midterms, Trump told a reporter on Monday "no."
Vice-President J.D. Vance expressed optimism regarding negotiations. Vance told reporters, "We've had a number of good conversations with the Iranians," and stated, "The president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. We're going to keep on working at it."
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told IRNA that "very intensive" talks to try to end the war are underway with the US via mediators. He stated that Tehran is prepared for both diplomatic and military scenarios "more than ever before" and said it is up to the US to choose between a "wise path" of negotiation or the "mistake of military aggression."
The strikes take place amid high tensions and ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. While the US has indicated a desire to allow diplomatic efforts to continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pressed President Trump to consider fresh military action against Iran after the Tuesday midterm elections, according to Axios.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
The University of Toronto Mississauga issued a shelter-in-place order following reports of police activity and a large police presence near the McLuhan Court residence.
US envoy Steve Witkoff announced trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi for November 10–11 to discuss post-war security and de-escalation.
