US strikes Iranian island Qeshm days before midterms
American officials describe the limited attacks as a defensive response to Revolutionary Guard fire on a US aircraft.
By Amelia Gupta ·
American forces launched limited strikes on Qeshm Island, an Iranian territory situated in the Strait of Hormuz, early Monday morning. US officials told CBS that the operations were defensive in nature. The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on the island at the time of the strikes.
The attacks follow recent gunfire from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which targeted a US aircraft. Washington characterized the response as a direct reaction to that incident. The US Central Command, responsible for military operations in the Middle East, did not immediately provide further comments when reached for clarification.
The engagement comes less than a week before the US midterm elections, a vote that will determine control of Congress. President Donald Trump faces declining poll numbers and internal pressure from his own party to end the conflict. The war began in February when the United States and Israel launched initial attacks on Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he felt no urgency to escalate the campaign. He told Axios that the US would take action but did not need to rush. He claimed that American financial pressure had left Iran without money or gasoline. He also noted that the Iranian population was growing tired of the situation.
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump suggested the US might need to strike Pickaxe, a facility linked to Iran’s nuclear program. He described such a move as minor and said it could be completed in one hour. When asked if large-scale attacks were planned for after the elections, he answered no.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told IRNA that intense negotiations are currently underway with the United States through mediators. He stated that Tehran is prepared for both diplomatic and military scenarios. He added that the choice between a sensible path of negotiation or the error of military aggression now rests with Washington.
The next scheduled milestone is the US midterm election, which will shape the political environment for any future decisions regarding the conflict. Both sides continue to maintain communication channels while military posturing persists in the region.
