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

The US military conducted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday, November 2, according to the Wall Street Journal, just ahead of US midterm elections and despite President Donald Trump's optimistic statements about a potential deal with Tehran. The strikes are part of a series of limited US operations against Iran in recent weeks, which American officials are trying to keep secret to avoid signaling a return to large-scale military action, the Journal reported. Iran's IRNA news agency reported five explosions on the island and residents seeing two aircraft, while Vice President J.D. Vance said he and Trump feel "rather optimistic" about a negotiated end to the war. The conflict began with Israeli-American strikes on Iran on February 28, leading Tehran to lock down the Strait of Hormuz and target ships. Oil prices fell Monday amid expectations of no renewed war, while Iran said it could reopen the strait in two days under strict conditions, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating intense consultations.