US strikes Iranian Qeshm Island before midterm elections

The United States launched a limited military strike on Monday against Iran's Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, one day before the U.S. midterm elections, according to The Wall Street Journal. President Donald Trump downplayed the risk of renewed war and advocated for a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. U.S. officials described the attacks as defensive operations aimed at limiting Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strike followed an impact on a U.S. military aircraft in the region, though CENTCOM has not publicly announced the operation. Qeshm Island hosts an underground missile facility, a naval base, and a major desalination plant. The Pentagon has recently reinforced its military presence in the region and prepared options for potential expanded attacks, while Trump stated the U.S. had already won the war against Iran.