U.S. hits Qeshm Island launchers ahead of midterms

The United States is engaged in an eight-month conflict with Iran that has cost at least $47 billion and disrupted global oil markets. On Monday, the U.S. military executed limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to two U.S. officials.

The attacks were described as defensive measures rather than a return to major combat operations. They responded to Iranian efforts to target maritime shipping and U.S. assets. One official stated that the U.S. continues to intercept drones and missiles aimed at shipping daily.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has targeted U.S. manned and unmanned aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks. In response, the U.S. has periodically struck Iranian missile launchers. A specific attempt by Iran to target a U.S. aircraft triggered the latest strike on Qeshm Island.

A third U.S. official characterized the action as a defensive measure against Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets. Iranian state media reported five explosions on the island on Monday.

President Donald Trump had previously said the U.S. would not launch strikes before Tuesday’s midterm elections. Speaking on Fox & Friends, he described the latest actions as a minor attack and insisted the situation does not constitute a war. He said he was not looking to kill lots of people but added that if necessary, the U.S. would act.

The conflict has become a vulnerability for Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress, partly due to the impact on gasoline prices. Thousands of U.S. troops remain in the waters off Iran to maintain a naval blockade. This blockade aims to prevent tankers carrying Iranian oil from reaching the global market. A third aircraft carrier and additional troops are also en route to the Middle East.

Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism that a deal could still be reached. He told reporters that he and the president feel good about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. Vance had sent a letter to Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, last week. Trump described the letter as focusing on assisting Iran with medical supplies.

Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as diplomatic efforts appeared to show progress. Trump noted this decrease during a speech in Washington, minimizing the scale of the conflict. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran has delivered a firm response to the American side and that the ball is now in America’s court.