The United States carried out limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, one day before the US midterm elections, according to US officials who spoke to CBS News.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on the island. The officials said the action was a response to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing on a US aircraft. Centcom, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, has been approached for comment.
War and the US midterm elections
The strikes come as voters decide whether Republicans or Democrats will control Congress. President Donald Trump enters the US midterm elections with declining poll numbers and pressure from within his own party to end the war, which began in February when the US and Israel attacked Iran.
Trump: “no rush” to escalate
Earlier on Monday, Trump told Axios the US was in “no rush” to expand its strikes. “One way or the other, we will do something,” he said, adding that Iran had been “crippled financially” and was running short of money and fuel.
In a separate Fox News interview, Trump said the US might need to target “Pickaxe”, a site linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. He called such an operation “not a big deal” that could be completed in about an hour.
Speculation has grown in recent days that Washington could resume major strikes once the US midterm elections are over. Asked by a reporter on Monday whether that was the plan, Trump answered “no”.
Iran signals readiness for talks or conflict
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told IRNA that “very intensive” negotiations to end the war are under way with the US through mediators. He said Tehran is prepared for both diplomatic and military outcomes “more than ever before”, and that it is up to Washington to choose between a “wise path” of negotiation and the “mistake of military aggression”.
Key questions
What did the US strike in Iran?
US officials said the strikes hit Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and were limited in scope.
Why did the US strike Qeshm Island?
Officials said it was a response to IRGC fire on a US aircraft.
How does the war affect the US midterm elections?
Trump faces falling poll numbers and intra-party pressure to end the conflict as voters choose control of Congress.
Are the US and Iran negotiating?
Iran’s foreign minister says intensive talks are under way via mediators.
