US strikes hit Iran's Qeshm Island in Strait of Hormuz

The US military has attacked the Iranian island of Qeshm, according to US media reports, one day before the US congressional elections. The strike on Monday was preceded by several limited, covert attacks over recent weeks, officials said. A US government official confirmed the strikes to Reuters, describing them as limited and defensive, not a resumption of major combat. Fox News reported the attacks were a response to Iran firing on a US aircraft. Qeshm is the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas trade. Iran's state news agency reported five explosions on the island. The US has not publicly acknowledged the attacks, likely to avoid appearing to escalate. President Donald Trump stated he does not consider an attack on Iran after the elections and believes a peace deal is possible, while a British agency reported a separate ship attack in the strait.