The United States carried out covert strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, following accounts from Iranian state media reporting multiple blasts in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The targeted operation represents a broader pattern of smaller, quiet military actions intended to prevent the perception of a full-scale offensive renewal. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged U.S. President Donald Trump in a tough weekend discussion to authorize fresh strikes after the midterm elections. Trump publicly rejected that idea on Monday, affirming that he favors pursuing diplomatic avenues for the immediate future.
Key points
Washington is conducting narrow, secret military actions to avoid signaling the resumptio…: Washington is conducting narrow, secret military actions to avoid signaling the resumption of a broader military campaign.
Donald Trump directly denied to reporters that he is considering new military strikes aga…: Donald Trump directly denied to reporters that he is considering new military strikes against Iran after the midterm elections.
Both nations continue exploring the possibility of a diplomatic settlement despite ongoin…: Both nations continue exploring the possibility of a diplomatic settlement despite ongoing hostilities and pressure from regional allies.
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The United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing US officials, amid renewed tensions over Washington's negotiations with Tehran and the possibility of resuming military operations.
The reported attack came after several explosions were reported on the island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media outlet IRNA.
The strikes were part of a series of limited military operations carried out by Washington in recent weeks, the WSJ said, adding that the attacks had been deliberately kept secret and conducted on a smaller scale to avoid signalling an intention to resume its broader military campaign against Iran.
The US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The developments came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to consider fresh military action against Iran after Tuesday's US midterm elections.
Trump and Netanyahu held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss Washington's negotiations with Tehran and the possibility of resuming military operations, Axios reported, citing one Israeli and one US source.
Following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by American forces nearly a year ago, Washington is pushing a three-phase stabilization strategy before the country holds national votes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco to advance this framework, which prioritizes economic recovery and reconciliation. Meanwhile, key political factions remain divided over timeline commitments and the transparency of recent bilateral energy agreements.
American forces launched targeted operations in the Strait of Hormuz to degrade Iranian capabilities threatening commercial maritime vessels. Iranian state media documented rapid detonations along the coastline, noting aircraft activity in the region. Washington intentionally avoided widely promoting the mission to prevent regional assumptions of a broader return to active combat.
Widespread voter frustration over surging living costs and fuel prices following the February war on Iran has severely eroded Republican momentum ahead of Tuesday's pivotal midterm elections. Strong Democratic enthusiasm and deep resistance from independent voters now position Democrats to potentially recapture control of the House of Representatives.