US Strikes Iranian Missile Operators in Strait of Hormuz

The United States launched strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, a U.S. official said, targeting surface-to-air missile operators, just before Tuesday's midterm elections. Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas. The strikes were not publicly announced, unlike earlier operations, and came as President Donald Trump had previously said the U.S. wouldn't attack Iran before the elections. The move follows an eight-month war that has impacted global oil supplies and U.S. gasoline prices, a political vulnerability for Republicans. Iran claims it has a two-day plan to reopen the waterway and resume nuclear talks, while Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism for a negotiated settlement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed for more strikes, and Iran is training 1 million paramilitary volunteers amid fears of renewed conflict.