The United States has carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials cited by CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
Iran’s state news agency Irna also reported several explosions on the island on Monday.
US officials described the operation as limited and said it was launched in response to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing on a US aircraft. The BBC said it had contacted US Central Command for comment.
The strikes come as the United States approaches midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress.
Trump Faces Pressure Over Iran War
President Donald Trump has faced declining approval ratings and growing pressure from within his own Republican Party to bring the conflict with Iran to an end.
The war began in February, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he was in “no rush” to intensify military action. In an interview with Axios, he said the US had severely weakened Iran financially and that the country was facing economic difficulties.
Trump also told Fox News that the United States might target “Pickaxe Mountain”, an underground site linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. He described such an operation as relatively straightforward and said it could be completed in about an hour.
Despite speculation that Washington could resume major strikes after the midterm elections, Trump denied that this was the plan.
Iran Says Talks Are Underway
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Irna that intensive negotiations with the United States were taking place through mediators in an effort to end the war.
Araghchi said Iran was prepared for both diplomatic and military scenarios, warning that Washington must choose between negotiations and further military action.
The latest developments highlight the uncertainty surrounding efforts to end the conflict, even as military activity continues in the region.
