US strikes Iranian missile site on Qeshm Island before midterms

The US launched secret strikes on Iran on Monday, the eve of the midterm elections, with five explosions reported on Qeshm Island, home to an underground missile facility and naval base in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials confirmed the assault, which followed President Donald Trump's repeated threats of a new offensive while campaigning. The strikes were described as defensive, aimed at protecting American assets and preventing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials. They came after Iran fired a surface-to-air missile at a US fighter jet and targeted shipping, with the US intercepting an IRGC missile from Qeshm Island. The administration kept the attack secret to avoid the appearance of restarting large-scale operations. The action follows weeks of limited US strikes on Iranian targets, despite claims a deal was within reach. Trump downplayed the possibility of all-out war, while Vice President JD Vance has engaged in peace efforts with Iranian officials. Gulf states were reportedly told to prepare for a short, intense campaign after the midterms targeting infrastructure and nuclear sites.